August is a busy time in college athletics. Early in the month teams report back to campus in preparation for the upcoming year and by the end of the month, most have started to compete. In the world of athletic administration, the month got off to a bit of a slow start but ramped up quickly with a number of AD changes happening as the month closed. Seven Division I institutions experienced AD turnover in August.
Florida State
The highest profile AD turnover in August came with the news that Florida State’s Stan Wilcox was leaving FSU for a post with NCAA. Wilcox, who had led the Seminoles department since 2013, is joining the NCAA to serve as the associations executive vice president of regulatory affairs. Wilcox replaces Oliver Luck and will begin his new role on October 1. David Coburn will serve as Florida State’s interim AD while the university searches for Wilcox’s replacement.
Texas Southern
The SWAC didn’t have to venture far to find its new commissioner, turning to Texas Southern athletic director Dr. Charles McClelland. McClelland replaces former SWAC boss Duer Sharp who stepped down in November. Kevin Granger has been tasked with leading the Texas Southern department on an interim basis while the Tigers look for McClelland’s replacement.
The Citadel
The Citadel’s search for Jim Senter’s replacement came to end in August with the announcement that interim AD Mike Capaccio would be the Bulldogs permanent athletic director. Parker Executive Search assisted The Citadel with the search.
Idaho
Rob Spear’s tenure as Idaho’s athletic director officially came to end following a decision by the State Board of Education to relieve Spear of his duties. Spear had been on paid administrative leave since April following an investigation into Idaho’s handling of sexual assault and harassment complaints in 2012-13. Pete Isakson has been named interim AD, but the Vandals will not look to hire a new athletic director until after President Chuck Staben retires in June of 2019.
ULM
President Nick Bruno will look to hire another athletic director following Nick Floyd’s annoucment that he was stepping aside because of health issues. Floyd will remain at ULM through December of this year working in an administrative position. The Warhawks have turned to Scott McDonald to lead the department on an interim basis.
Idaho State
Idaho wasn’t the only member of the Gem State to experience AD turnover in August. Idaho State parted ways with Jeff Tingey. Tingey had lead the Idaho State athletic department since 2009. Pauline Thiros will serve as interim AD while a national search for Tingey’s replacement is conducted.
Maine
The Black Bears’ search for Karlton Creech’s successor concluded with Maine’s hiring of Colorado College athletic director Ken Ralph. Ralph had lead Colorado College’s athletic department since 2007.