HIGH POINT, N.C. — During the Summer of 2026, High Point University Vice President and Athletic Director Dan Hauser was featured on the Hangin' with the AD Podcast, produced by Don Baker and Josh Mathews, which highlights successful leaders and top athletic directors across the country.

The interview came after HPU's most historic year in school history, where the Panthers won 16 Big South Championships, had nine NCAA Tournament appearances, and finished second (out of 101 schools) in the Division I-AAA ADA All-Sports Trophy standings. HPU won two NCAA Tournament games as men's soccer defeated West Virginia to advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in school history, while men's basketball won its first NCAA Tournament game by taking down Wisconsin to advance to the Round of 32.
 
Hangin' with the AD Podcast Episode 156 is about one of the most innovative and forward-thinking leaders in college athletics: Dan Hauser. He serves as the Vice President and Director of Athletics at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina, a position he has held since 2014. Before arriving at High Point, Dan built a strong foundation in athletic administration and marketing, serving in leadership roles at Ohio University, Wake Forest University, and the University of New Mexico. Over the last decade, he has helped transform High Point Athletics into one of the nation's most successful and recognizable mid-major programs.

Under his leadership, High Point has consistently competed at a championship level across multiple sports, earned national recognition in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings, and become known for delivering one of the most unique and impactful student-athlete experiences in higher education. But Dan's influence extends far beyond wins and losses. He is a passionate believer in leadership, personal growth, dreaming big, and creating environments where people can achieve more than they ever thought possible. In this conversation, we'll discuss High Point's rise to national prominence, the power of reading and lifelong learning, leadership lessons from High Point's President's own unique leadership journey, the importance of presence and culture, navigating the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics, and how leaders can turn ambitious visions into reality.

Click to Watch the Podcast on YouTube.
 
About the Hangin' with the AD Podcast
Hangin with the AD is an interview style podcast where Don Baker (CMAA), Cobb County School (GA) District Director of Athletics, partners with Josh Mathews (CMAA), Pope High School (GA) Athletic Director, to discuss hot topics and lessons learned with leaders in the world of athletics. These leaders include high school athletic directors at the district and local school levels; college athletic administrators; leaders in spaces that connect to athletics such as nutrition, wellness, recruiting, student-athlete recognition; current and former athletes; and others, who can help athletic administrators develop themselves and their programs for a better daily experience for their athletic communities."