I wish more people here understood how much influence the bigger boosters have. My boss gives six figures (mostly to football and wrestling) twice a year through our company and strictly by dumb luck of having the job I do, those payments go across my desk. His farm corporation gives money separately to the athletic department as a whole.
I’ve heard (in person) some REALLY eye opening conversations between some of these boosters, and when I mention donor influence here people say it’s all a bunch of hooey. Beth is a good AD, and yes she’s the “boss” on paper, but the major donors approve everything she does first at a head coaching level in football, basketball, and wrestling. And they influence a hell of a lot of other decisions like the one you just mentioned. These people giving that kind of money have huge egos and got to where they are in life by being aggressive and using their influence for better or for worse. They don’t like being told no and they will pull money if they feel it’s not being used for what they want it to be used for. I’m to the point where I know people here aren’t going to believe it and that’s fine. Couldn’t care less.
