A mid-major university with a struggling football program hits the jackpot when it attracts one of the top high school quarterbacks in the country, Todd Stevens. But the athletic bubble surrounding Todd begins to dissolve as injuries take a toll on his body and mind and he contemplates the future he wants with his beloved Diane King, a serious student and elite swimmer who sees all too clearly the inequities in college sports. Diane's willingness to speak out brings her in conflict with the athletic director of the university and leads to an altercation that will reverberate across the university and impact the lives of everyone touched by it, including the university president. Athletic programs are often touted as the "front porch" of universities. In this gripping tale, Dan Howard portrays the blossoming relationship between two athletes as they negotiate the dark realities and outsized influence of college sports on an American university campus. Against the backdrop of the risks accepted by individuals and institutions to achieve excellence in the realm of college sports, a more universal story about vulnerability, uncertainty, and the power of love unfolds. “Inside the Front Porch was written by my good friend and former colleague Dan Howard, who lived “inside the porch” as both a university administrator and as a supporter of student-athletes. Must reading for those who enjoy collegiate sports. The book has fascinating characters, drama, intrigue, and a little sex which makes it a great read for anyone.” --Garrey Carruthers, Former Governor of New Mexico, Chancellor Emeritus New Mexico State University Dan Howard received his B.S. degree from Stanford University where he studied biology and graduated with distinction and honors. He received his M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in biology from Yale University. He spent most of his academic career at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico eventually becoming a Regents Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology. In his last 5 years at NMSU, he served as Executive Vice President and Provost, the chief academic officer of the university. He retired from NMSU in 2018 to take up a life of farming and writing in Mesilla, NM. When he is not writing or caring for his orchards, he enjoys long walks with his dogs and slow evenings in the kitchen with his wife of more than 40 years, Jenifer Lichtenfels, a pediatrician. Dan and Jenifer have two daughters, both physicians, and two grandchildren.