A series of unprecedented scandals has eroded confidence in big-time sports, increasing the appetite for change. Some critics have a tough time seeing the NCAA as a savior; they say the real problem is the NCAA structure itself, which allows athletes to generate billions of dollars for colleges while earning no compensation themselves. Mark A. Emmert, who recently completed his first year on the job at the NCAA, says the NCAA has students' interests in mind with every decision, and has moved quickly to clean up the mess. Months before he officially started at the NCAA, in October 2010, Mr. Emmert showed signs of raising the metabolism of the place, eliminating several senior-management positions, and forcing other top executives to fight for their jobs. He quickly established himself as a different kind of leader than his predecessor, Myles Brand, a philosopher and a more cerebral decision-maker whom aides say took time to consider an issue from all sides. Mr. Emmert is decisive, efficient, and inclined to be brutally honest, sometimes stating his opinion even before the typical internal discussions have taken place, say those close to the NCAA's senior leadership. Mark Emmert is moving quickly to bring change to college sports. In October 2010, the board approved tougher initial-eligibility and transfer standards for athletes, and passed legislation preventing men's basketball teams with low academic-progress rates from playing in the NCAA tournament. The board also approved controversial measures allowing athletic departments to offer four-year scholarships and provide an additional $2,000 for full-scholarships athletes toward their full cost of attendance. Some colleges, especially those with smaller, poorer programs, are feeling left behind.