Search begins for new athletic director

By Molly Chiu     7/30/13 7:00pm

The search committee for Rice University's new director of athletics released a document July 31 detailing what it is looking for in potential candidates, according to Rice Director of National Media Relations David Ruth.

President David Leebron announced that he had convened the committee in an email sent July 10 to the Rice community.

Vice President for Administration Kevin Kirby is serving as the committee chair. Other members of the committee include chairman of the Rice board of trustees Bobby Tudor, President of the Houston Texans Jamey Rootes and two student athletes - Brown College senior Gabe Baker and Hanszen College junior Natalie Beazant - according to Leebron's email.

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The committee will work together with the firm Korn/Ferry International. Korn/Ferry has been involved in searches for athletic directors at universities across the country.

The committee says it is looking for a director who will ensure student-athletes continue to place an emphasis on integrity and academic excellence, work to bolster Rice's national reputation and focus on staying competitive in NCAA Division I athletics.

According to Kirby, the committee plans to select a new director by early September.

Rick Greenspan, the previous athletics director, resigned June 30 after serving three years in the position. Rick Mello is currently serving as interim director.

To read the full position description written by the search committee, visit

http://www.students.rice.edu/students/Athletics.asp.

The Thresher will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they become available.

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