Leading with Purpose in the NAIA | Jim Carr | CSC Voices, Beyond the Scoreboard

CSC Voices, Beyond the Scoreboard host: Trip Durham, 2D Consulting, LLC

Guest: Jim Carr, NAIA President & CEO

NAIA President & CEO Jim Carr joins Trip Durham to talk about the evolving landscape of small-college athletics, the rising confidence across NAIA campuses, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools in college sports. Jim walks through the launch of The Right Way to Play, a member-driven effort rooted in pride, authenticity, and campus-level collaboration. He also reflects on his start at UNLV, the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership style, and the meaningful role athletics communicators play in moving the association forward.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How the NAIA’s mission centers on character, education, and opportunity.
• Why collaboration between the NAIA and CSC strengthens national storytelling.
• The strategic thinking behind The Right Way to Play and the energy it has sparked among members.
• The influence of athletics on campus culture, leadership development, and community engagement.
• How communicators can expand their impact by thinking proactively — not just reactively.
• What makes small-college environments uniquely personal and powerful.
• Jim’s eclectic playlist, favorite eras of music, and his pick for a one-day job swap.