The RPP Exchange: Equity Through Research-Practice Partnerships

In the final installment of this three-part series, we look toward the future of Research-Practice Partnerships (RPPs) and their growing role in shaping equity-centered student–athlete success. This brief but forward-focused segment explores how collaborative models are evolving across higher education—and what that evolution means for athletics, academic support, and holistic student development.

In Part 2 of our three-part series, we examine how Research-Practice Partnerships (RPPs) and qualitative inquiry shape the academic and personal development of student-athletes. This episode explores how collaborative, equity-driven research models allow universities and athletic departments to translate data into meaningful action. Special guest Brady Rourke, Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services at the University of Maryland, shares how qualitative data — from student experiences to staff reflections — offers deep insight into the daily realities student-athletes face. We discuss how these insights inform policy, programming, and leadership decisions across the Gossett Student-Athlete Center. Together, we highlight the people and structures acting as agents for change: educators, advisors, administrators, and student-athletes themselves who leverage evidence, relationships, and shared vision to push institutions toward more just and student-centered outcomes. Part 2 lays the foundation for our final episode, where we explore the broader implications of this work and what the future of student-athlete support could look like.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful intersection of research, practice, and purpose — uncovering how data-driven collaboration and equity-centered leadership are reshaping the academic and personal journeys of student-athletes. Joining me is Brady Rourke, Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services and Director of the Gossett Student-Athlete Center for Academic and Personal Excellence at the University of Maryland. Together, we discuss what it really takes to build systems that support student-athletes beyond the field — helping them thrive in the classroom, in their careers, and in life. Tune in to learn how intentional partnerships between researchers and practitioners can redefine what success looks like in collegiate athletics.

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the impact and vision of the 480 Club by welcoming Youth Development Specialist Daryl Brown to the conversation. Daryl is a devoted father, mentor, and passionate advocate for empowering young people to discover their full potential. Guided by faith and a lifelong commitment to growth, he brings a unique blend of wisdom, purpose, and heart to the work of building stronger futures. Join us as we explore his insights and inspiring journey.

In this episode, Vaughn Parham speak with Joe Hooks, founder of the 480 Club. Joe is a passionate community advocate, youth mentor, and small business owner whose work is making a lasting impact on young people across Montgomery County. From school wellness centers to afterschool sports programs, Joseph is on the front lines of youth development and family support. You can learn more about Joe and his work by visiting https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

In this episode, hosted by Dr. Christine Neumerski (University of Maryland), Dr. Donald Peurach (University of Michigan) and Dr. Jennifer Linn Russell (Vanderbilt University) expand on novel forms of leadership currently developing in networked improvement communities (NICs), offer advice for early career professionals looking to enter collaborative education research, and share their hopes for how current shifts in policy and research may be an opportunity to work more closely with local educational partners. To learn more about the RSJC and our guests, visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

In this episode, hosted by Dr. Christine Neumerski (University of Maryland), Dr. Donald Peurach (University of Michigan) and Dr. Jennifer Linn Russell (Vanderbilt University) share their thoughts on Research-Practice Partnerships, talk about lessons learned during failed research collaborations that led to more effective future partnerships, and introduce us to a novel form of leadership they see developing within organizations that serve has hubs for networked improvements. Learn more about the RSJC and our guests by visiting https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

In this episode, hosted by Dr. Christine Neumerski (University of Maryland), Dr. Donald Peurach (University of Michigan) and Dr. Jennifer Linn Russell (Vanderbilt University) share their personal and professional journeys that led them to build a field of "network research" and "continuous improvement" in education. They also discuss what sparked the Improvement Scholars Network, how they came to co-lead the network, and what they mean by the term "invisible college." To learn more about the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative and to read about our guests, visit us at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

Dr. Lori Wimbush, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and School Improvement at Roanoke City schools, and Dr. Maxwell Yurkofsky, Assistant Professor in The Doctor of Education Program at Radford University, share how their work is expanding to provide mentorship to all teachers and educational leaders across the school division and what they have gained from their partnership. To learn more about our guests and their work, visithttps://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

Dr. Lori Wimbush (Roanoke City Schools) and Dr. Maxwell Yurkofsky (Radford University) share how their partnership leveraged relationships to support and empower teachers of color and this work addresses institutional racism in both the short and long term. To learn more about our guests and their work, visithttps://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast