University of Nike

October 15, 2018

Much has been written recently about cuts in funding for public institutions of higher education (Michael Fabricant and Stephen Brier's Austerity Blues; Christopher Newfield's The Great Mistake). This title illustrates another troubling consequence of these losses: the entry of wealthy corporations offering much-needed dollars that come with serious strings attached. Journalist Hunt (New York Times; The New Yorker) became interested in the long-standing relationship between Nike and the University of Oregon while reporting on a sexual assault case. This book traces the development of the Nike brand and how its success has influenced the university for better (championship teams and state-of-the-art facilities) and for worse (stipulating hiring and firing of personnel and fostering a culture of secrecy). By blending these histories and the surge in profitability of college athletics, Hunt offers a warning about the dangers of overreliance on corporate contributions in educational spheres. VERDICT This work will have broad general appeal, particularly with parents of children approaching college age and those interested in corporate strategy or the state of American higher education.--Sara Holder, Univ. of Illinois Libs., Champaign

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2018
Journalist Hunt, who writes for the New York Times, the Atlantic, and the New Yorker, traces the historical connection between Nike and the University of Oregon over the past decades. This isn't a biography of Nike cofounder Philip Knight but the story of the deep relationship between the two groups. Citing interviews, newspapers, transcripts, letters, and archival documents, Hunt weaves a narrative about how a public university became vested in corporate interests to increase its' finances. The many sources, events, constituents, and communication channels involved require a careful reading?especially when it comes to the university's attempts to contain its scandals and failure to fully investigate sexual-assault cases in service of preserving its partnership with Nike. Providing fascinating and alarming insight into how other public universities have emulated similar practices in obtaining endorsement deals and partnerships at the expense of their values, this is for readers of sports journalism and true stories of corporate America.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)