Nancy Hogshead-Makar, a civil rights attorney, three-time Olympic gold medalist and
CEO of Champion Women, recently visited the Davis College of
Business & Technology at Jacksonville University to discuss the impact of Title IX.
“One of the things that was great about being a world-class athlete at the time was how connecting it was,” she reflected. “People were so happy for me and got a certain sense of pleasure as well as joy from my success, and that was neat.”
As an advocate for women’s rights in athletics, Hogshead-Makar leads Champion Women, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting equality in sports. With a background in civil rights law, she has worked to ensure Title IX — the 1972 legislation prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs — remains enforced and strengthened.
A frequent contributor to sports policy at both national and international levels, she has served on various boards and committees, including the Congressional Commission on the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. She focuses on discrimination issues affecting female Olympians.
“I just finished a federal commission on the Olympic Movement and the ways we need to change it,” she said. “There is a hundred times more money coming into the Olympic Movement since my day, and almost none is going to athletes. This makes them very powerless and susceptible to abuse and doesn’t allow for the best Olympic athletes.”
During her visit, Hogshead-Makar analyzed Title IX’s history, its impact on collegiate athletics and the ongoing challenges in achieving gender parity. Her discussion addressed critical issues such as resource allocation, scholarship opportunities and protections against sexual harassment and abuse in sports and academics.
Her visit to Dr. Leah Fiorentino’s Business of Collegiate Sports class was a landmark event for students and faculty interested in gender equity in sports and education.
“We are so fortunate to have Nancy Hogshead-Makar here in the Jacksonville area,” said Fiorentino, expert-in-residence and a sport business professor. “Her generous gift of time to meet with JU students truly benefits the student body, especially the sport business program here at JU.”
“Hearing from Nancy Hogshead-Makar was truly inspiring. You can tell she has such a deep passion for advocating for women’s equality in the NCAA,” said Olivia Johnson, a sport business major and member of the JU women’s lacrosse team.
Maddie Cudey, a health science major with a sport business minor, appreciated the open dialogue. “It was great to hear Nancy Hogshead-Makar speak about women athletes and Title IX. What made it even better was that it was an open conversation with her, which allowed for real discussion and engagement. Her passion and knowledge were truly inspiring.”
Hogshead-Makar’s experience as an elite athlete gives her a unique perspective on the challenges female athletes face. As a swimmer, she won three gold medals and one silver at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Since retiring from competition, she has used her platform to champion equality, becoming one of the most respected voices in the fight for women’s rights in sports.
