UAF TO CONTINUE SEARCH FOR NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2002

Fairbanks, Alaska – Officials with the University of Alaska Fairbanks plan to continue the search for a new director of athletics and recreation. UAF recently completed a national search that resulted in the selection of four finalists. One of the finalists, Larry Lee, associate athletic director of the University of Denver, withdrew his name from consideration. The other three finalists were Frank Diskin, athletic director of Rockhurst University, Len Nardone, athletic director of Genesee Community College in New York, and Sean Casey, an elementary school principal in Penobscot, Maine.

The three finalists were brought to Fairbanks for a series of on-site interviews and meetings with the university and Fairbanks community.

“We met with three good candidates, all of whom fully deserved to be considered as finalists for the position,” said Jake Poole, special assistant to the chancellor for athletics. “Each candidate separately offered the individual traits that we were looking for, but we feel we did not have the one person who could meet all of our needs and requirements.”

Poole said he and Chancellor Marshall Lind reviewed the comments and views of the search committee, coaches, athletic department staff, UAF Intercollegiate Athletic Committee, student athletes and the Fairbanks community. He added that the review of the various groups’ recommendations were a key part of the process and led to the decision that the right person to lead Nanook athletics was not among this group of candidates.

“Chancellor Lind and I have stated from the beginning of the search that if we did not feel the finalists could provide the skills and talents to meet the vision and goals for the department that we would not appoint someone just to fill the job,” said Poole. “This is an important job for the university and the community, and we will continue to search for the person who has the passion, commitment and skill sets we feel are necessary to lead the department to the next level.”

Poole said that women’s volleyball coach Phil Shoemaker will be appointed acting associate athletic director and will be responsible for the daily operations of the department.

“Phil has been acting in this role over the past six months, and has been doing a great job. This will formalize the position and responsibility,” said Poole, who will continue to have oversight of the department in his capacity as special assistant to the chancellor for athletics.

Poole said the department will be hiring a business manager in the immediate future. Additionally, Assistant Athletic Director Kevin Raap will be appointed sports information director for the next year. Kip Harmon will continue as associate athletic director for marketing and promotions.

Poole praised the work of the 12-person search committee, whom he said spent countless hours in the search process. “They did a tremendous job and by no means does this decision negate the work they did. The committee’s efforts, dedication and assistance were extraordinary and very much appreciated by the university and the athletic department.”

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CONTACT: Jake Poole, Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Athletics, (907) 474-1150 or Scott McCrea, chairperson, UAF Athletic Director Search Committee, (907) 474-1157.

SJM//06-13-02/077-02