Saints Athletics: A New Path Forward: Improving the Student-Athlete Experience
Franco Bari, former associate director of operations and external relations of the Athletics Department at St. Lawrence University, has recently been promoted to the role of Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, effective Sept. 16. As a past student-athlete, Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Coordinator of Student-Athlete Development and Assistant Athletic Director, Bari brings extensive experience and deep knowledge to the new position.
Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with Franco in person and ask him a couple questions about his vision for the future of the athletics department.
Bari noted that a primary goal of his time in his new role is to listen and learn from those who have a high interest in SLU Athletics. The core intent is to help determine the best strategies to support student-athletes, engage the broader community and connect with alumni and others interested in enhancing the overall student-athlete experience. For Franco, athletics has always been an avenue to unite the university, continuing his main plan to build bridges between athletics and other departments on campus.
By being a former student-athlete and coach himself at the university, Bari believes this new position allows him to continue building relationships with student-athletes and create a space where they can excel in their respective sports and in the classroom. His main goal is to provide support throughout the holistic experience of students’ four-year journey at the university.
He intends to provide a vision for the athletics department that people can embrace and support. His philosophy of making the future a shared vision by gaining input from student-athletes, coaches and others who are invested, has built a solid foundation for the upcoming year. Commitment to listening to student-athletes through a variety of channels, whether individually or through valuable perspectives of captains and leaders is paramount as Bari continues to make informed decisions on behalf of the athletic department.
When asked about any initiatives he is excited about, Bari mentions that they have already built strong relationships with the Center for Career Excellence, Student Accessibility Services, the Counseling Center, and other areas that can support students’ comprehensive experience. One of the most successful has been Marketing the Student-Athlete Experience. In this effort, the athletics department invited five alumni from different majors and careers to offer student-athletes the opportunity to connect and engage. This approach supports building stronger relationships, mentorship opportunities and career prospects.
One of the major avenues towards engagement with the student-athlete that Bari notes is through the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). SAAC is not only valuable for providing additional opportunities for student athletes, it also serves as an avenue to bring the university together beyond just fan engagement. All the while continuing to build bridges between athletics, student life, academics and other departments across SLU that involve students.
Concluding, Bari wholeheartedly believes in the importance of collaboration, specifically referring to initiatives that provide opportunities to tighten community bonds. One skill that he has learned as a Laurentian is the tremendous value of building community through collaborative efforts.