Understand time demands of the job. Learn as much as possible about every aspect of running an athletic program…..focus on the business side of sports and fundraising. Never underestimate the importance of networking.
2. What were some of your biggest obstacles in becoming AD?
My path was a little different. In 1990 when I was named AD, I was only the third female in Division I to have that appointment. Our previous AD was also our Head Men’s Basketball Coach, so I pretty much ran the department as an assoc., so he could focus on coaching. The time came when the NC system president said that no basketball or football coach could also be the AD. I was offered the job without a search.
3. What has been the impact of Title IX on your career and on athletics in general?
Title IX played a huge impact by helping me get my first college job coaching women’s basketball at Charlotte. The University was starting women’s basketball due to Title IX. When hired, I had to teach, coach and serve as an administrator, so I got great experience that served me well!!!
4. Is there anything you’d change about Title IX?
Not really……although I dislike that people still blame Title IX for men’s programs being dropped.
5. Some of our readers may not know that you are starting a football program. Tell us about that experience? When is kickoff?
Starting a football program from scratch is quite challenging, but so exciting. We did not have one facility in place that would support football, so, we have been able to plan, design, and construct everything. It is all new, including an on campus stadium that is 95% complete. Folks should check out our webcam of the stadium construction. Kickoff is August 31, 2013, but we have 86 football players enrolled as red shirt student athletes. They are conditioning and practicing every day. VERY EXCITING!!!!
6. I read the athletic programs will now be competing in Conference USA. Will you start competing in football immediately?
All sports (except football) will compete this year in the A-10. Next year (2013) all sports except football will compete in CUSA. Football will compete in CUSA in 2015, the first year that we are FBS eligible per NCAA rules.
7. Take us through the process if a university wants to start a football program and ultimately compete at the DI level?
The first thing you do is contact Steve Malone at the NCAA. He gives expert advice on exactly what you must do within a certain time frame to compete. There are scholarships, scheduling, and attendance criteria that must be met and you must have a firm invitation by a FBS conference to become a member.
8. The 49ers have changed conferences 3 or 4 times in your tenure. Describe that process? Is there resentment, is it expensive, or is it just business?
Changing conferences is not something you necessarily plan; often times it is created due to what those around you are doing. Prior to adding the sport of football, we wanted to be part of a conference that was well respected and strong in basketball. It was also important that all of our sponsored sports were sponsored by the conference. Now, with football, we again searched for an all inclusive conference. We are thrilled to be able to return to CUSA. When we left, we left because of football (because we didn’t have it); now we are returning because of football!!
9. Why move to CUSA?
The opportunity to become a member of a FBS conference, with a start up football program is one we just could not pass up. The members of the league are all quality universities……some that we shared membership in the league before. We are anxious to get to know and compete against the other new members as well.
10. What are the most common misconceptions about NCAA DI Football and in your case starting a program?
Most people don’t understand how expensive it is to field a football program on the collegiate level. The average fan thinks all football programs make money.
11. If I recall correctly, early in your career you worked with Pat Summit. What was it like to work with her?
Working with Pat was an unbelievable experience. She is a very knowledgeable, driven individual, and I learned a tremendous amount from her. We have remained close friends, along with Sylvia Hatchell, Women’s Basketball Coach at UNC Chapel Hill. We were all in graduate school together at Tennessee and get together most every summer.
12. Who is the greatest basketball coach of all time – John Wooden, Pat Summit or Other?
I am biased because I worked with Pat and I know her on a personal basis. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Wooden or others on same level. However, Pat’s accomplishments (both athletically and academically) speak loudly.
13. In the past you were a member of the NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Committee. Describe that experience?
Best professional experience I have had. Extremely time consuming but, extremely rewarding. The committee really does its homework and everyone is over prepared, because you know how important it is that you get it right.
14. You have been a DI-AAA AD and you will be a DI FCS and FBS AD all while at the same institution. How do those classifications impact an institution, athletic department and your job?
I think being a FBS program will help raise the statue of our total athletic program and the perception of the university will be greatly enhanced!!!
15. Who have been your role models and mentors throughout your career and life?
My role models have been both my parents. My mom died when I was 16, but she made a lasting impression on me. Also my coaches. I have had many male role models who kind of adopted me; early in my AD career…..C.M. Newton and Deloss Dodds have both been wonderful friends, mentors, and role models.
16. You were recently surprised with an amazing gift - a university benefactor donated the naming rights to your new fieldhouse and they named it after you. How did you feel at the unveiling?
I was and still am blown away. I am the one that secured the gift of $2.5 million. The party that the Chancellor was having was to recognize the donor and unveil the architectural rendition of the fieldhouse with her name on it. Needless to say, when I unveiled it, streamers went off and the Chancellor asked me to read the name on the building…and it was my name. I was speechless…and you know that doesn’t happen with me!! I am honored, humbled and flattered all at the same time!!