"DU has a deeply unhealthy culture that prioritizes protecting insiders over accountability, transparency, or student well-being. During my time here, I witnessed repeated inconsistencies in how misconduct was handled, particularly when it involved athletics or long-standing staff members. Serious issues were minimized or quietly ignored, while students faced light or inconsistent consequences. There appears to be widespread favoritism and a lack of oversight regarding how school resources are used and how hiring decisions are made. Positions often seem to go to personal connections rather than qualified candidates, which creates a hostile and demoralizing environment for those outside the inner circle. Speaking up about concerns does not feel safe. Individuals who question decisions or raise ethical issues are often silenced, marginalized, or retaliated against. This creates a culture of fear where people learn quickly that staying quiet is safer than doing the right thing. There is also a noticeable disparity in how men and women are treated, particularly in leadership and athletics. Women who express differing opinions or challenge authority are frequently targeted or pushed out, while inappropriate behavior by others is overlooked. Overall, the environment is unwelcoming, cliquish, and dismissive. Basic professionalism and courtesy are often lacking, and the tone across campus feels cold and intimidating rather than supportive or educational. It’s deeply concerning what this normalizes for students and staff alike. I would strongly caution anyone considering working or enrolling here to ask hard questions about accountability, ethics, and how concerns are truly handled behind the scenes. "

"Ronda knew what the basketball coach was doing and THEY COVERED IT UP. There’s been many conduct issues in the past where the wbb team was treated unfairly but the men’s players got off. THIS NEEDS TO STOP! Justice for what is right needs to be DONE. This is a terrible atheltic administration that put student athletes at risk around people literally wanting to sleep with them. "

"Davenport removed all anonymous reporting on their website. How horrible for these kids and employees. Who are they supposed to directly contact the title 9 coordinator?? So they are supposed to expose themselves to Ronda???? With her track record! Honestly how toxic is that! Ronda the executive AD, HR all need to be investigated. How dare you do that to the poor kids and staff. "

"It’s wild a coach is coaching the wbb team who used to coach under the men's basketball coach. He told his players to shut their mouths in regard to their concerns about seeing a wbb player go into her coaches hotel room on an away trip. Coaches and administrators silenced these athletes and playing time and scholarships were threatened. The administrators HR and coaches covered this all up!!!!!!! It’s sick this guy is coaching Svsu in my opinion. How wrong. "

"Ronda an AD thinks it’s totally ok for a coach to have sex with a 19 year old. Even made excuses for his behavior. Threatened our entire team to keep our mouthes shut. On top of it the girl in the relationship who was a terrible teammate laughed and joked about doing this with our coach. Toxic is an understatement "

"Not caring and had favorites when coaching our team. I couldn’t believe she was a former coach. She yelled aggressively from the dugout when mistakes were made instead of actually coaching. Minimal knowledge of the game. "

"As a former athlete, I feel a responsibility to speak honestly about my experience in this program so future players and families can make informed decisions. During my time on the team, our male coach regularly created a mentally abusive environment. His behavior included emotional intimidation, erratic conduct, and actions that made many of us feel unsafe and unheard. Rather than developing athletes, his leadership steadily eroded our confidence and ultimately ruined the love of the game for multiple players. What was most disappointing was the response from administration. We raised concerns repeatedly, including to Ronda and the executive AD , but they were dismissed or minimized. The coach was openly protected and treated as untouchable, despite the clear harm being done to athletes. This pattern made it clear that athlete well-being was not the priority—protecting staff was. After leaving this program, the same coach was later fired from his next school, which only reinforced what we had been saying all along. This is not an isolated issue. There is a broader culture problem where toxic coaches remain in place because of administrative and HR protection because they are all friends. "

"My experience with the athletic department was deeply disappointing and ultimately harmful to my health. The workplace culture was toxic, with ongoing belittlement and bullying that were treated as normal or quietly covered for, even when the behavior was clearly questionable. Instead of support or accountability, there was a pattern of protecting certain individuals, which allowed the environment to worsen. The stress from this culture led to serious medical issues for me, including anxiety and significant weight gain. No job should come at the cost of your physical or mental health. The constant disrespect and lack of professionalism were a major reason I chose to leave and work at a different school. I am much healthier and happier now, which confirms just how damaging that environment was. Bullying is not leadership, and intimidation is not motivation. Until this department addresses its culture and holds people accountable, I would not recommend it as a healthy or safe place to work. "

"My experience with the athletics department at Davenport has been deeply troubling, and I feel compelled to share serious concerns that extend beyond isolated incidents to broader cultural and ethical issues. Workplace Bullying and Toxic Culture One of the most pervasive problems I observed was an environment where bullying and intimidation were normalized rather than challenged. Staff members — including coaches and administrators — frequently engaged in behavior that made colleagues feel belittled, disrespected, or unsafe. This included: Public reprimands or harsh criticism delivered in front of others Conversations that crossed professional boundaries Patterns of exclusion or ostracism toward staff who raised questions This kind of workplace culture not only damages morale but also undermines the wellbeing and professional development of employees. Constructive feedback and accountability are essential in any organization; what I witnessed too often crossed that line into unprofessional conduct. Unethical Behavior and Leadership Conduct There have been repeated observations of conduct that raises serious ethical concerns. Professional boundaries between staff and student-athletes were not always respected, leading to uncomfortable and inappropriate situations. In several cases, the behavior of certain leaders felt more aligned with favoritism or personal relationships than with the standards expected of an athletic program. Moreover, the hiring and evaluation processes appeared opaque and inconsistent, contributing to a sense that merit and professionalism were not always the primary criteria for advancement. Misuse of Funds and Lack of Transparency Concerns about financial accountability also persist. There were repeated indications that funds intended for program development, athlete support, or operational needs were not always used in ways that aligned with stated priorities. Whether through disproportionate spending in certain areas, lack of clear oversight, or decisions that appeared to benefit a select few, the handling of budgetary resources lacked the transparency and accountability that employees and stakeholders deserve. In any organization, especially one entrusted with student development and public resources, clear, ethical, and transparent financial practices are non-negotiable. The absence of these fuels mistrust and contributes to an unhealthy work environment. Impact on Staff and Student-Athletes The combined effect of these issues has been profound: High turnover among staff, as many choose to leave rather than tolerate the environment Lower morale and diminished trust in leadership Hesitance among staff and athletes to raise concerns out of fear of retaliation or dismissiveness A workplace should be empowering, supportive, and rooted in respect — especially within educational and athletic settings. When bullying is tolerated, ethics are unclear, and funds are mismanaged, everyone suffers: staff, student-athletes, and the broader institutional reputation. Conclusion The patterns I’ve observed point to systemic problems in culture, ethics, and accountability. These are not simply disagreements or isolated frustrations — they represent a workplace climate that urgently needs thoughtful leadership, clear policies, and a recommitment to professional standards. I encourage those in leadership to take these concerns seriously, engage in transparent review processes, and work toward an environment where respect, fairness, and accountability are the norms, not the exceptions."

"In my experience, leadership and HR failed in their responsibility to protect athletes and uphold basic professional standards. Serious concerns about coaches engaging in inappropriate sexual relationships with players were repeatedly ignored or minimized. Rather than addressing the behavior, leadership and HR appeared to sweep it under the rug, allowing the same coaches to continue working without meaningful consequences. Athletes who tried to speak up were discouraged, silenced, or made to feel that raising concerns would negatively impact them. This created an environment where misconduct was normalized and enabled, and where reporting issues felt unsafe. Leadership and HR seemed more focused on protecting the organization and certain individuals than on athlete welfare, accountability, or ethics. This lack of action allowed harmful behavior to continue and sent a clear message that rules and boundaries do not apply equally. Anyone considering working or participating here should be aware of these serious cultural and leadership failures."

"In my experience, this workplace has serious ethical problems. Coaches are allowed to buy athletes drinks at the bar and engage in inappropriate relationships with them, which is deeply unprofessional. Misuse of funds is common and openly ignored. Employees who follow rules and try to do the right thing are discouraged or pushed out, while those who participate in or enable this behavior are rewarded and protected by leadership. Management appears more interested in maintaining corrupt practices than creating a safe, respectful, or accountable work environment. I would strongly caution anyone considering working here."

"Working here was one of the most disillusioning experiences of my career. Leadership consistently prioritized reputation over people, even when serious ethical violations were brought to their attention. During my time there, concerns were raised about a basketball coach engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a player. Instead of taking immediate, transparent action to protect those involved and uphold basic standards of conduct, management chose to suppress the issue. Complaints were quietly buried, witnesses were discouraged from speaking up, and anyone who pushed for accountability faced retaliation, intimidation, or was effectively silenced. This created a culture of fear where staff learned quickly that doing the right thing came with consequences. Policies about ethics, safeguarding, and professionalism existed on paper only; in practice, they were ignored when inconvenient. If you value integrity, accountability, and a workplace that protects vulnerable people rather than powerful ones, I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere. No job is worth being asked—explicitly or implicitly—to participate in a cover-up."

"Predatory is an understatement. They protect predators at DU. Why a grown man wants to sleep with a 19 year old is beyond me. Ronda thinks it’s ok though. Really great school Davenport is!"

"Pieces of s**t people! Ronda sets into motion someone’s medical files being left out hahaha dumb a*s people nice work dumb dumbs "

"What a good person you are shitty people sick Sick sick how did you manhandle and manipulate that horrible people hahahahhaha the du softball team should light on fire when they do to cedarville absolutely terrible humans "

"Hahahahahahahhaha this is why I transferred the Hasselds are a joke "

"Hahahhahahhahahhaa what a god damn dance team! What a loser!"

"Terrible people at Davenport. Wouldn’t want to be associated with such a horrific place that’s why I transferred. Ronda plays favorites and has double standards for FEMALES! The schools is a joke. My high school courses were harder. Employees buy athletes drinks at the bar and are inappropriate. The wbb coach had an affair with a 20 year old on his team. Everyone just laughs at the corruption. The training room is the gossip station. They know all the wrong being committed by administration and coaches and choose to talk and laugh about it unless they don’t like you then you can convince them to tell Jason. Everyone at the school is on the corruption. Trainers text and have inappropriate relationships with athletes and even go into our rooms on away trips. It’s all just very odd and no one cares or does anything about it. Davenport is truly a predators paradise. Admin are the biggest offenders. Be warned it’s all very abnormal!! They will try and Brainwash you into thinking it’s all fine and normal- it’s NOT. "

"Davenport is so corrupt they removed their ethics point/ HR reporting bc so many employees and students wrote in about Ronda and administration. Has Davenport investigated the direct evidence linking Ronda and coaches who steal money and sleep and drink with their athletes. It should be a major violation removing this critical form of reporting. Wouldn’t expect anything less from this lying, corrupt university. Hey everyone - contact the title 9 coordinator?? Who? RONDA? Hahaha so so so criminal! Great job DU! As an athlete I feel violated and I feel like they want to know our identity’s so they can punish us and banish us from the school. It’s already a lot of pressure being a student athlete now this just bc these people in power are getting exposed. I have so much anxiety over this. This is WRONG "

"Brain rot U Brainwash U Parents call and change grades bc they don’t like them and parents take classes for their children. It’s happened with multiple student athletes on multiple teams. What a college education you will receive at this uneducated university. Academic fraud at its finest. An all around terrible place to be a professor having to deal with this absurdity. Athletes miss class all the time, no punishment or accountability. Severe academic fraud is occurring here I am a witness to it. Ronda and coaches what are you teaching students? It’s STUDENT first. Sports should come in second. "

"I worked at Davenport when Ronda sent an email to the athletic department praising the leadership of the wbb coach who was in a sexual relationship with his player for over a year. Administration knew and covered it up. Many emails were written from the coaches home town indicating the police investigated this same relationship when the player was in high school and the coach coached at the high school. RONDA and the administration blatantly covered this up. They allowed the relationship to go on and silenced anyone and everyone that spoke about it. They sent the assistant out to pasture because she was vocal about it being WRONG - rightfully so. Davenport University operates on their own terms and things like this are Normal at DU. The people in charge make their own rules and violate so many NCAA RULES AND REGULATIONS. It’s truly one of the most corrupt, disturbing and sick schools in the country. They will never be held accountable for their actions because they do what they want. Things like this are the norm at DU. "

"I played soccer at DU and I’m convinced Ronda is pure evil. I’ve watched her influence and change some really kind, sweet people. DU has become a place with no accountability and entitlement is encouraged. Ronda truly has impacted so many student athletes negatively and they won’t even see it until they get out of that place. It’s really hard to see when you’re in it and people are normalizing basically being a bad person. When you aren’t submerged in that toxicity anymore you start realizing a lot of things. DU is a place with great potential but the evil people that are in charge here will forever keep it being toxic. It’s taken me time to realize most of what occurs at Davenport is NOT normal and what they allow shouldn’t be happening on a college campus. Being groomed to be a spoiled, entitled, drunk, no accountability athlete has not helped me in the real world. The classes at DU are also so insanely easy so that they didn’t prepare me for my job at all. I do regret transferring to DU. I thought the grass was going to be greener bc on the outside everything at Davenport is really really nice. It’s the inside of this place you have to watch out for. People here are truly evil and Ronda is their ring leader. Stabbing people in the back to get ahead is actually really wrong and not standing up for what is right is also just as wrong. DU is creating some scary people but normalizing bad things it’s truly sad to watch now that I’m not in it. "

"Historic win! Big Loser on covering up a coach sleeping with his players. About time for a decent team…. what’s the turnover rate the past 3 years?? Ok! Should be investigated! Disturbing cover ups at Davenport. Sex scandals come in last place to these kids getting their gear. How sickening is that? "

"Be careful what you read about how stellar of a coach Rhonda was. It isn’t put in articles how abusive and mean her coaching style was or how she had no regard to any rules being NAIA. Fast forward to her stepping in to coach my daughter at Davenport. It was like she never coached before. Runners constantly getting thrown out, playing favorites that did “favors” for her, not communicating at all. Let it be known if you get on her bad side she will try and ruin you. I’ve watched this with coaches and players. She’s a flat out liar. She tells people what they want to hear and then talks behind their back. She’s extremely unprofessional and always looks like a bum. I honestly can’t believe she’s an administrator. Times have definitely changed and I think how her career would be totally different if she coached now. She is out of touch and inappropriate. I strongly would not recommend. "

"Protects predators that usually are all male but on occasion female (facilities worker) that are full time DU employees that sleep with DU student athletes. EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT IT. Ronda is protected, predators are protected and athletes have zero accountability for sleeping and drinking with staff members. Great school!!"