Four Division I institutions welcomed new leaders last month with two more schools making changes. Additionally, Little Rock is looking for a new AD after Chasse Conque left to become the new Director of Athletics at UTRGV meaning seven NCAA Division I programs experienced AD turnover in August. A pair of programs, Idaho and Ohio, made history by each hiring the first women to lead the respective departments.
UTRGV
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was the first department to experience AD turnover in August when the school announced on Aug 2 that Little Rock’s Chasse Conque would replace Chris King. Conque had served as the Trojans Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics since 2015. He officially began his new role on Sept. 1.
Idaho
Terry Gawlik made history on Aug. 7 when she was announced as the University of Idaho’s new Director of Athletics. Gawlik, who comes to Idaho from the University of Wisconsin is the first women to hold the title of Director of Athletics. She officially began her new post on Sept. 1. Gawlik had been at Wisconsin since 1994 most recently serving as the Badgers Senior Associate AD/SWA.
Memphis
The University of Memphis wrapped up its search for a new Director of Athletics in early August when the Tigers announced Laird Veatch would replace Tom Bowen. Veatch, a 2016 NEXT UP honoree, comes to Memphis from the University of Florida where he served as UF’s Executive Associate AD for Internal Affairs. Veatch will begin his new role on Oct. 1.
Prairie View A&M
Fred Washington’s second stint as Praire View A&M AD will come to an end sooner than expected when it was reported on Aug. 9 that Washington would be stepping down. According to PVAM President Ruth Simmons, Washington’s decision to leave his post was due to several factors with family playing a large role. With Washington’s decision, the Panthers became the fourth school in experience AD turnover in August. Alicia Pete is serving as the school’s interim AD.
Incarnate Word
UIW became the third in school in the state of Texas to experience AD turnover in August, joining Praire View and UTRGV, when it was announced that Dr. Brian Wickstrom was leaving. Wickstrom was nearing the completion of his second year on campus. No reason has been given for Wickstrom’s departure. Richard Durand is serving as the Cardinals interim AD.
Ohio
Ohio University’s search to replace Jim Schaus came to an end on Aug. 15 with the appointment of Julie Cromer as the Bobcats new Director of Athletics. Cromer, a 2017 NEXT UP honoree, comes to Ohio from the University of Arkansas where she most recently served as UA’s Senior Deputy AD, Associate Vice Chancellor and SWA. The hire made history for the Bobcats as Cromer is the first female selected to lead Ohio athletics. Cromer began her new role Aug. 31.