The University of Massachusetts took two important steps in determining its next athletic director Thursday afternoon.
UMass Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy named Robert Goodhue interim athletic director and announced a 13-member search committee to begin the process of a national search for the school’s next athletic director, according to a University press release.
Goodhue is the chief operating officer and general counsel of the UMass Foundation. Susan Pearson, who led two previous searches for athletic directors and has also acted as an informal athletic advisor to chancellors, will serve as the interim deputy athletic director.
“We are most fortunate to have Bob Goodhue, a skilled and caring champion of UMass Amherst, ready to guide the department through this transition,” Subbaswamy said in the release.
“I am humbled to have the honor even for a short time to lead this department filled with great student-athletes, coaches and staff,” Goodhue said. “I am a lifelong Minuteman and will devote all my energies to ensuring that the department is running smoothly when the new permanent director comes aboard.”
The 13-member search committee will begin screening potential candidates and advising the chancellor as the University searches for a permanent athletic director. Vice Chancellor of University Relations John Kennedy will chair the committee.
According to the release, members of the committee include Enku Gelaye, vice chancellor for student affairs and campus life; Chris Crooker, assistant vice chancellor for development; Christine McCormick, dean of the College of Education; Joan Hopkins, associate athletic director of academic support services and interim senior women’s administrator; Rebecca Spencer, faculty athletic representative to the NCAA and a member of the Faculty Senate’s Athletic Council; Carla Tagliente, field hockey coach; UMass football quarterback Blake Frohnapfel; tennis player Chanel Glasper; and alumni John Kennedy, Jim Hunt and Rodney Byrd.
Subbaswamy also provided insight into what he hopes the next athletic director will embody.
“As we strive to build on our past success, the Commonwealth’s flagship campus needs dynamic and visionary leadership for its athletic program,” Subbaswamy said. “Our new athletic director should possess the skills and knowledge to sustain and grow a program that exemplifies integrity, enhances the academic careers of our student-athletes, instills pride among our alumni and enjoys the support of the campus community and UMass fans all across the country.”
Mark Chiarelli can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @Mark_Chiarelli.
