University Relations 202 Eielson Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7520
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UAF ATHLETIC DIRECTOR LEAVES
FOR TOP POSITION AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 1998
Fairbanks, Alaska - Kelly Higgins, director of athletics and recreation at the University of Alaska Fairbanks since 1994, has been named athletic director at the University of South Dakota. An interim athletic director for UAF will be announced on Monday after Dean of Student Services Carla Kirts consults with staff, alumni, athletic boosters and key university supporters. Kirts, who oversees the athletic and recreation department, will hold a noon media conference, May 18, in the Nanook Lounge at the Patty Center to announce the interim appointment.
Higgins is returning to the school where he received his bachelor's degree in 1981 and where he was named an all-conference football player in 1975. USD is located in Vermillion and is the only nationally ranked doctoral university in South Dakota. The school, with a student population of about 6,500, is a charter member of the 10-team North Central Conference and is considered by many to be the strongest and most competitive conference in the NCAA Division II.
"This is an opportunity that doesn't come often for anyone. To be returning to my alma mater, which is a premiere NCAA Division II institution, and to be able to give back to the school where I started is just something I couldn't pass up," Higgins said.
Prior to coming to UAF, Higgins was assistant commissioner for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in Denver, Colo., and before that, he was associate athletic director for American University in Washington, D.C. from 1988 to 1993.
Higgins received his master's degree in exercise science from the University of Nebraska in 1985 and a doctor of education degree in sports administration from Temple University in 1994.
While at UAF, Higgins was instrumental in the expansion of the Pacific West Conference from seven to 16 teams; the Nanook men's and women's basketball, volleyball and cross country ski teams participate.
During his tenure, a student athlete advisory board and the first student athlete awards ceremony were initiated, the athletic department oversaw the establishment of the Can You Score? Top of the World Classic Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, the creation of the Nanook Classic Women's Volleyball Tournament, and the Nanook ice hockey team began its first season as a full member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
"The community and the university have made a commitment to take the hockey program to the highest level. We knew the road to success in the CCHA was going to have some hurdles, but I'm confident that the program is moving in the right direction and that the steps we've taken to date will bear fruit in the very near future," Higgins said.
In addition to overseeing UAF's sports teams, Higgins is responsible for managing recreation programs at the Patty Center and at the Student Recreation Center, which opened just as Higgins arrived.
"My four years at UAF have been extraordinary. I've had the opportunity to work with some wonderful student athletes and some great people who were willing to take a look at doing things differently," Higgins said. "I'll miss the great friends I made here, but I expect to continue those ties in my position at USD."
Higgins is expected to remain at UAF through the end of June.
CONTACT: Student
Services Dean Carla Kirts, (907) 474-7317 OR UAF Public Information
Officer Debra Damron, (907) 474-7122 or by e-mail fynews@aurora.alaska.edu
UAF NEWS RELEASES AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY AT:
http://www.uaf.edu/univrel/media/
DPD/5-13-98/98-062
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