Seiji Wood
Sports Editor
Idaho State University continues its search for a new Athletic Director. Last semester, Pauline Thiros took over as interim A.D. after previous A.D. Jeff Tingey got released.
Below is an interview with Lyn Redington, Vice President of Student Affairs and committee chair for the search for the new A.D.
Q: What are you looking for in candidates?
A: Below is the information we shared in our advertisement for the Athletic Director position. It speaks to the qualifications for the position. In essence, we are looking for someone who will do the job and do it exceptionally well, all while being passionate about student athletes, their success on and off the field, and who wants to make ISU a better place. We are also searching for a successful candidate to join our team who fully believes in the president’s priorities of trust, hope, compassion, and stability.
Primary Purpose
The Athletic Director oversees intercollegiate men’s and women’s athletic programs. Provides leadership in execution of all activities, operations and policies working with the University administration and other heads of departments with the utmost integrity. Serves as the University’s principal representative in the field of intercollegiate athletics. Gives general administrative direction and advice about the establishment of program goals. Responsible for meeting the necessary requirements and rules for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Big Sky Conference.
Key Responsibilities
• Direct the operations of Athletic Department staff and coaches
• Maintain knowledge and compliance with university, NCAA, and conference rules
• Directs and makes decisions that affect the activities, operations, and policies of an athletic program
• Establishes strategic goals and objectives for the athletic program; develops metrics and standards for the achievement of those objectives
• Identify and maximize revenue opportunities and income streams available to the Athletic Department
• Understands and fully supports the academic mission of the University and provides necessary academic support to student-athletes
• Serves as the senior executive for the department in managing the hiring of coaches, administrative staff, support staff, and other athletic department personnel
• Serves as a member of the President’s Administrative Council, representing the department on matters of university policy, operations, and resource management
• Directs and oversees athletic fundraising, promotions, and related activities
• Oversees and manages all budgetary plans and expenditures for the department
• Serves as the department’s representative on committees and workgroups with the University, Big Sky Conference, and other national committees and associations, as needed
• Attends various association meetings, alumni events, and athletic events while representing the University at home and away competitions
• Keeps the President apprised of the status of the department and all athletic operations.
• Other duties as assigned by the President
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field from an accredited university; Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration, Higher Education, or related field preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years of athletic administration or a related leadership role in a relevant field
• Successful experience in fundraising and development
• Prior experience in community engagement and working with constituents in a cooperative and collaborative manner
• Demonstrated experience positively impacting the culture and climate of an organization through strong leadership
• A strong desire and ability to work with, support, and engage the university students
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead a complex organization
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in support of students, faculty, staff, and the university community at large.
Q: Are there any serious candidates for the job? If so, who? And is Pauline Thiros a serious candidate?
A: This is a confidential process. When our finalists have been invited to campus, we will share that information.
Q: How do you think Pauline has done so far as an interim A.D.?
A: I enjoy working with Pauline in her role as Interim AD and appreciate her passion for students and supporting their success (on the field, in the classroom, and in life).
Q: When do you plan to make a hire, or is there a deadline that there needs to be a hire by?
A: We hope to have the process wrapped up by the end of March or first part of April.
Q: From my understanding, you’re now the head of the search committee. So who’s all involved with the hiring?
A: These are all those who are involved with the hiring. • Troy Bell, Owner & President, Tanabell Health Services
• Dani Dunstan, Chief of Staff
• Caroline Faure, NCAA Faculty Representative
• Craig Joseph, Assistant Director, Admissions
• Hillary Merkley, Head Coach Track & Field
• John Ney, Assistant Dean College of Business
• Dan Ordyna, CEO Portneuf Medical Center
• Staci Phelan, University Business Officer
• Logan Schmidt, ASISU President
• Kandi Turley-Ames, Dean College of Arts & Letters
• Ashley Van Vleet-Sturgis, Student Athlete
Q: In the end, who has the final say on who gets the job? You, President Satterlee, et cetera?
A: President Satterlee will make the final decision. However, having had the pleasure of working with him for 6 months, I know his style to be one of inclusion. He is committed to learning what our campus and our community believe are important qualities in an athletic director. That said, he also is the one who will look at the big picture of what is needed to move our athletic program forward and who will be the best candidate to do so.
One more note: this website http://isu.edu/adsearch will be updated throughout the search process.
