Innovative Course at Marsal School Tackles New Frontiers in College Athletics
In a scene reminiscent of a sports rally, the Whitney Auditorium at the Marsal Family School of Education buzzed with excitement as 79 students clad in red and white, symbolizing Indiana University, gathered for a unique educational experience. The atmosphere was set by John Cougar Mellencamp’s music, and the session was attended by key figures such as U-M’s men’s lacrosse head coach John Paul.
This gathering was for an engaging simulation called “Hoosiers on the Brink,” part of the innovative course “NIL: Education and Equity in Name, Image, and Likeness,” crafted by lecturer Greg Dooley. The class delves into the evolving world of college athlete compensation, offering students an in-depth look at the implications and opportunities presented by recent policy changes.
Graduate student instructor Maddy Denny expressed surprise at students’ enthusiasm for the exercise, stating, “I can’t emphasize enough how surprised I was at how much students got into it.” Despite personal beliefs, students embraced their roles, advocating for the viewpoints of major stakeholders in college athletics.
The course’s focus on NIL, which stands for Name, Image, and Likeness, examines how athletes can now monetize their personal brands following significant legal and policy shifts, like the 2021 NCAA policy update and the 2025 House v. NCAA ruling. This change has allowed athletes to receive a share of athletic department revenue, a milestone in college sports.
Dooley faces the challenge of keeping the course content relevant amidst these fast-paced developments. “What I taught last semester is a completely different focus from what I’m teaching this semester,” Dooley noted, highlighting the dynamic nature of the subject.
This class stands out due to its home in the School of Education, unlike other universities where NIL courses are offered through communications or business schools. This placement allows a comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. Danielle Dimcheff, director of marketing and communications at Marsal, emphasized the broad educational impact, noting, “We believe education touches everything.”
The course was born from discussions between Dooley and Marsal staff, including Dean Elizabeth Moje, who envisioned a class exploring the complexities and challenges of college athletics. Initially, Dooley was uncertain about the course’s potential, but after a successful pilot with six students, its popularity soared.
Greg Dooley, who joined U-M in 2022 after a career in IT, teaches this and two other courses, forming a minor in Coaching and Leadership. Among the course’s critical discussions is the interplay between NIL and Title IX, the federal law against sex discrimination in educational programs.
Dooley encourages students to examine sports beyond high-profile ones like football. “Title IX is incredibly important; it’s way more important than sports,” he said, urging students to consider the impact on women’s sports.
One-third of the course participants are athletes, with diverse academic backgrounds, like junior robotics engineering major James Oosterhouse, who regards Dooley’s courses as transformative. “His classes have really impacted me as a person,” he shared.
Dooley credits his graduate instructors for enriching the class with their teaching expertise. First-year GSI Joy Hewitt-Murdolo highlighted the collaborative energy, saying, “Dooley is so fun to learn from.”
Guest speakers are a hallmark of Dooley’s classes, including notable figures like football star Justice Haynes. Denny believes such interactions help demystify athletes, emphasizing, “It’s a fun thing when this football star is still also just a student.”
With passionate student debates and vibrant discussions, Dooley aims for students to develop independent perspectives. “Some have strong opinions,” he stated, encouraging an open forum for diverse viewpoints.
Dooley extends class discussions into the digital realm, sharing insights and guest lectures on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. “I care deeply about what I do every day,” he said, inviting students to explore his courses.
