A Message from Dr. Charles Small

A Message from Dr. Charles Small

Dear Valpo friends and supporters,

I am honored to officially begin as your Director of Athletics. I am grateful for the warm welcome to Valparaiso University. With tremendous humility and excitement, I look forward to our new journey together. Since the official announcement of my appointment on May 19, I have been busy helping my wife and sons transition to Valparaiso and engaging with Valpo stakeholders to solidify my plans for the first 90 days as your Director of Athletics. I also had an opportunity to participate in the Missouri Valley Conference summer meetings. Much of my time for the next couple of months will consist of listening to Valpo student-athletes, coaches, administrators, alumni, deans, campus partners and community members. I have two goals for the next few months: 1) engage in the 4 C’s of onboarding (compliance, clarification, culture and connection), and 2) facilitate focused listening and learning.
The Valpo Department of Athletics will collaboratively engage in refining four pillars of success:
Extraordinary Student-Athlete Experience
Enduring Culture
Earned Trust
Eminence through a National Brand
It will take championship-level synergy for Valparaiso University, the Department of Athletics and the Valparaiso community to excel to the next level. We will need to move in the same direction while coordinating our efforts and energy.
Go Valpo!