2008 Woodie Awards
UST plans to relaunch search for coach, director
Jordan Parker
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: Sports & Clubs
The University plans to relaunch its search for an athletic director and men's varsity basketball coach after the previous search was deemed inconclusive, Director of Campus Life and Interim Athletic Director Matt Prasifka said. Prasifka is also the head of the search committee in charge of selecting an individual for the position.
The committee narrowed the field of applicants to two candidates last semester, and both prospective applicants visited the campus in December. After their visits, it was determined that neither would be hired.
He added that neither of the candidates was deemed appropriate for the role. "At this point, we are not going to pursue either [candidate], and we are going to continue with the search," Prasifka said.
"It really just came down to that 'fit' issue," Prasifka said. "They both had very different personalities, but overall, from the feedback when different people met with them...it was determined that neither was the right fit for us at this point."
The search committee comprises nine people, including members of the faculty, staff, students, alumni and a University benefactor.
Prasifka said that it is the search committee's responsibility to form a recommendation, but that Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Steve Sutton gets final approval because he is the supervisor.
While on campus, Prasifka said, the candidates met with the search committee and attended an open forum with faculty and staff. "They had a session with the coaches and student athletes and student leaders," he said. "They met with Dr. Sutton and Dr. Ivany. They also had a session with the vice president."
The committee has chosen to reopen the search rather than revert to the pool of candidates already amassed. "We won't necessarily say that if you applied you can't apply again, but, at this point, we will open the search back up," Prasifka said.
Prasifka said that the University is seeking a candidate who holds a master's degree, preferably in sports administration or physical education, has at least five years coaching experience and at least three years administrative experience. It is desired that he or she have experience working at a small college or university as well.
The committee narrowed the field of applicants to two candidates last semester, and both prospective applicants visited the campus in December. After their visits, it was determined that neither would be hired.
He added that neither of the candidates was deemed appropriate for the role. "At this point, we are not going to pursue either [candidate], and we are going to continue with the search," Prasifka said.
"It really just came down to that 'fit' issue," Prasifka said. "They both had very different personalities, but overall, from the feedback when different people met with them...it was determined that neither was the right fit for us at this point."
The search committee comprises nine people, including members of the faculty, staff, students, alumni and a University benefactor.
Prasifka said that it is the search committee's responsibility to form a recommendation, but that Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Steve Sutton gets final approval because he is the supervisor.
While on campus, Prasifka said, the candidates met with the search committee and attended an open forum with faculty and staff. "They had a session with the coaches and student athletes and student leaders," he said. "They met with Dr. Sutton and Dr. Ivany. They also had a session with the vice president."
The committee has chosen to reopen the search rather than revert to the pool of candidates already amassed. "We won't necessarily say that if you applied you can't apply again, but, at this point, we will open the search back up," Prasifka said.
Prasifka said that the University is seeking a candidate who holds a master's degree, preferably in sports administration or physical education, has at least five years coaching experience and at least three years administrative experience. It is desired that he or she have experience working at a small college or university as well.