Client Testimonials

“The deep knowledge, professionalism, and ethical conduct of MRJ Associates, as well as the capacity of Mike Alden to understand me as a leader, have been a huge benefit to my institution.”

Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell – President
Utah State University

“As a newly announced President, I hired MRJ Associates as personal consultants to help me rapidly come up to speed on the specific intertwined landscape of athletics, academics, and university culture at my institution before I arrived. I then used MRJ as I started in my new position to help me make decisions about a new AD and the complex matters in our university around athletics. The deep knowledge, professionalism, and ethical conduct of MRJ Associates, as well as the capacity of Mike Alden to understand me as a leader, have been a huge benefit to my institution. “

 “In my thirty plus years of working in higher education, I’ve never been a part of a more efficiently run—or more expeditiously executed—search process.”

Michael T. Benson – President
Coastal Carolina University

“In my thirty-plus years of working in higher education, I’ve never been a part of a more efficiently run—or more expeditiously executed—search process. This was thanks to the MRJ team, but especially to Mike Alden and his vast network of relationships and extensive experience with the ever-changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics.”

“MRJ Advisors’ expertise and guidance has been invaluable in helping us navigate the always-evolving world of college sports.”

Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz – President
University of Evansville

“MRJ Advisors’ expertise and guidance has been invaluable in helping us navigate the always-evolving world of college sports. Mike and his team recommended strategic, measurable outcomes that will undoubtedly advance the Purple Aces’ championship culture as we continue to strive for academic and athletic excellence.” 

 “Mike’s extensive experience, knowledge, and insight are invaluable. Most of all, Mike’s integrity trumps all.”

Dr. Garnett Stokes – President
University of New Mexico

“Working with Mike Alden and MRJ Advisors has been nothing but positive. Mike’s extensive experience, knowledge, and insight are invaluable. Most of all, Mike’s integrity trumps all. I could turn to him with any question or issue in athletics and know that the advice I would be given is worth weighing heavily in my decision-making. Mike is a true leader in athletics and a great person to know!”

“. . . their capacity to help formulate and deliver customized practical options and solutions sets MRJ Advisors apart from the competition and makes them the go to expert team in the industry.”

Mark Falkowski – Vice President and General Counsel
Lindenwood University

“Their deep level of subject matter expertise, their collaboration and communication throughout the process, their ability to see the big picture of athletics within the broader institutional structure, and their capacity to help formulate and deliver customized practical options and solutions sets MRJ Advisors apart from the competition and makes them the go to expert team in the industry.”

“I have found MRJ Advisors to be one of the most credible and reliable resources available to intercollegiate athletics.”

Craig Thompson – Former Commissioner
Mountain West Conference

“The transparency, factual and accurate information, as well as national contacts the firm provides will deliver solutions and answers to any questions a client could ask. This is a most reliable and dependable company with a tremendous reputations.”

“They have a high-level work ethic that consists of confidentiality, professionalism, and success.”

Whit Babcock – Director of Athletics
Virginia Tech University

“Mike is someone I have known for 15 years.  He is a key mentor to me who I continue to rely and lean on throughout my career.  His work and that of MRJ Advisors in leadership, strategic planning, culture and structural development and search assistance is outstanding. I like the style of MRJ Advisors and Mike…confidence, humility, personable, no pressure, sharp…..and they get the job done.”

“Their work with our team at Chicago State was invaluable and critical to attainment of our goals and mission.”

Zaldwaynaka Scott – President
Chicago State University

“We chose to work with MRJ Advisors and Mike Alden after a referral. The group did not disappoint. They are professional, thorough, committed, hard working and fully engaged.  Mike is well-respected nationally, an excellent communicator, and is well-versed in Higher Education.”

“Mike Alden’s industry expertise was critical to our comprehensive, strategic planning process.”

Scott Garrett – Vice President and Director of Athletics (2020-2024)
Cleveland State University
Deputy Director of Athletics (current)
Wake Forest Univeristy

“MRJ Advisors relied on its extensive, practical experiences to advance our athletic department’s development and Cleveland State Athletics’ value to our campus community.”