Small College Conversations: Ron Pavan

Cumberland Vice President for Athletics and Vice President for Facilities and Services Ron Pavan joins College.town's Anthony Grassi from the 2026 NACDA Convention in Las Vegas. Pavan shares the philosophy that has guided his four decades in college athletics and earned him athletic director of the year honors. Centering every decision around "transforming lives," Pavin explains how Cumberland has more than doubled its student-athlete population by strategically adding high-demand sports like women's flag football, men's volleyball, esports, and powerlifting while carefully managing expenses and maximizing enrollment growth. He emphasizes that athletics should serve the institution's broader mission by creating opportunities for students, strengthening academics, and producing graduates who are successful beyond competition. 00:00 - Introduction 00:22 - You’re being honored as a NACDA AD of the Year. What does that honor mean to you? 01:04 - You’re adding five sport programs (2 varsity and 3 jv). Why were those the right programs to add? 02:53 - When’s a good time to add a sport? 04:20 - How do you determine your niche at Cumberland? 05:40 - You oversee athletics and facilities. The integration of athletics and the university to serve the enrollment needs. What’s that conversation like? 07:02 - The ability to build the facility on campus or partnering with the city. How do you balance those two? 07:59 - What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in fundraising at Cumberland? 09:32 - How have you thought about adding staff to support the student-athletes and the new sports? 10:14 - What are the initial conversations you have with a new coach when you hire someone? 11:19 - How do you vet candidates in an interview? 12:51 - How are you creating culture? 14:26 - Where does that personally come from? 15:20 - How do you handle 400 people reporting to you? 16:38 - Within the NAIA, what are some of the challenges you’re facing? How are you working ahead? 18:23 - What should universities do to stay afloat? 20:11 - What’s the process you and your university use to refine operations? 21:17 - What’s the biggest opportunity for NAIA? 22:41 - What’s your message to schools who won’t or can’t change? 24:09 - Your top priority over the next year to five are what?