President Calgaard's Impact on Trinity

In hopes of realigning Trinity University’s priorities and revamping the school, President Calgaard entered the picture, accredited with changing the culture and atmosphere of Trinity during his tenure from 1979 to 1999.  From the 1960s to the 1990s, the atmosphere of both Trinity’s classrooms and playing fields were unsettled and steadily changing, and Trinity was in need of a reboot in order to alter the mindset and focus of the faculty and student body. The impact of sport at Trinity has varied over the years, and when football is placed in a setting at a University, it can be much more limbic than in the professional setting. There is the necessity of balancing academics and athletics, while still wanting each to be performed with the highest level of skill and execution. Marc Powell, Trinity’s current Head Athletic Trainer, was here during the latter part of Calgaard’s tenure. He spoke about Calgaard’s impact, stating that Calgaard essentially micromanaged everything, even down to minute details. While president, he had a direct say in everything from major program decisions, to each individual’s admission into the University, to what bushes needed to be cut around campus (Powell, 2019). This style of management allowed for a complete turn-around of Trinity University. Prior to his arrival, Trinity was a border-line party school, and had the reputation of a rich kids’ country club with sufficient academics. However, Calgaard put certain changes in place in hopes of changing the culture of Trinity.