Today, University of Nevada, Reno President Marc Johnson outlined key elements of the search process being launched this week for the University's next director of athletics. In a letter to Wolf Pack Athletics' coaches and staff and University leadership, Johnson announced the following:

Wolf Pack Athletics is a significant enterprise and a point of pride, with a storied history and a strong connection to our communities, both on and off campus. The opportunity to identify the University's next Director of Athletics marks an important time for the program. In keeping with the policy of the Board of Regents, a national search will be conducted. The search process begins this week, with the intent to have the position filled by the end of June, at the latest.

A search consultant with specific expertise in collegiate athletics has been engaged to support the process. Todd Turner, President of Collegiate Sports Associates and former Director of Athletics at the University of Washington, brings considerable experience and has been charged with identifying a strong pool of qualified, diverse candidates for consideration by the search committee.

A search committee has been appointed and will have responsibility for considering the candidates and determining the finalists. Members of the search committee are Bruce Shively, search committee chair and Associate Vice President, Planning, Budget and Analysis; David Carter, Head Coach, men's basketball; Dave Croasdell, Associate Professor, Accounting and Information Systems; Matthew Eck, Associate Athletic Director, Strength and Conditioning; Shelly Germann, Associate Athletic Director, Sports Medicine; Alex Hayes, student-athlete and President of Student-Athlete Advisory Committee; Ann Larson, Director, Lawlor Events Center; Nancy Markee, Associate Professor, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences; Maureen Marshall, Director, Athletics Compliance Services; Rhonda Lundin Bennett, Associate Athletic Director, Administration; Andrea Pearson, Executive Assistant; and Shantel Twigg, Head Coach, women's track and field.

My list of desired characteristics for our next athletic director is considerable and conveys the importance I place in this position. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a firm and energetic commitment to the academic success of student athletes, to competitive and winning teams, to the development of successful coaches and staff, and to community involvement. He or she must demonstrate values and experience that exemplify a steadfast commitment to ethical practices and compliance, including Title IX compliance. He or she must fully understand the "business" of athletics. While this must include an understanding of the "revenue" sports of football and men's basketball, the candidate must also demonstrate a passion for the full range of men's and women's programs that comprise our collegiate athletics program. The candidate must desire to integrate athletics with the broader University community, from involvement in campus life, to support of the academic enterprise and adherence to campus policies and procedures. Partnerships are integral to athletics, and the candidate must be committed to developing and sustaining important sponsorships and partnerships. The candidate must also embrace the development and fundraising roles that are integral to higher education and athletics.

It is a comprehensive list, but it provides a realistic view of the scope of the position and the opportunities and challenges ahead for this key University leader.

Individuals interested in applying for the position or those wishing to nominate candidates should email unrAD@collegiatesportsassociates.com.

As you know, this search process is prompted by the decision of current Director of Athletics, Cary Groth, to retire from her position. Cary will remain in the role this academic year, and her support through this transition is appreciated. I have greatly valued her counsel and support as we planned for and now launch this search.

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Marc Johnson
President, University of Nevada, Reno