New AD Search to commence.

[Bay Ridge]

Frank to become head of alumni relations

[RightRam]

"McLaughlin Named AVP for Athletic Alumni Relations"

[ace93]

I heard the rumor over email, but have been unable to corroborate anything. Where are you guys getting your info from?

[T1L]

Source? Nothing on the athletics or university website.

[SIram]

Did not see any news on the web about this

[UpstateRam]

This could just be a very cruel tease. I'll believe it when the University makes a formal announcement.

[Ram 91]

It's legit.

I know many of us have wanted a shakeup in the department for a long time, but I'd like to take a moment to add thanks for his commitment to the university.

[ace93]

The question then is, who will the new AD report to?

[T1L]

The question then is, who will the new AD report to?

Maybe Gray will become the fulltime AD- wouldn't that be the cruelest outcome for the long suffering fans who have waited for this day? 

[JoltinJoe]

The question then is, who will the new AD report to?

Frank McLaughlin.  

It's my understanding that Cirillo World has emailed a press release to news outlets.  

ace, I actually have a copy of the press release, which is not on-line yet.  Can I cut and paste it, or is that a TOS violation?

[Ram 91]

Frank McLaughlin.  

There was a part of mind who came up with the same answer, knowing that it fits Fordham's logic perfectly.

[JoltinJoe]

There was a part of mind who came up with the same answer, knowing that it fits Fordham's logic perfectly.

And McLaughlin still reports to Jeff Gray.   

[SIram]

It's legit.

I know many of us have wanted a shakeup in the department for a long time, but I'd like to take a moment to add thanks for his commitment to the university.

That is fair, I believe he truly loves Fordham


Must have for the new AD, serious experience in developing and building new facilities and that the position does not report to Jeff Gray

Also neither Gray of Frank have a hand in the hire

Hopefully they will hire someone like the former A10 commissioner, forgot her name, that assisted in the hiring of Pecora to target candidates

[ace93]

Frank McLaughlin.  

It's my understanding that Cirillo World has emailed a press release to news outlets.  

ace, I actually have a copy of the press release, which is not on-line yet.  Can I cut and paste it, or is that a TOS violation?

Let's hold off for a bit on posting it. I am actually trying to make sure it's deemed ok by those at Fordham.

[w89]

Some questions that immediately spring to mind:

- who is doing the search and who makes the final decision?
- will the reporting structure change?
- I'm sure they might get courtesy interviews, but the existing associate ADs can't be serious candidates, right?
- Following on that, how much input will the new guy have in overhauling the rest of the department?

[PeterMartin08]

"I'm grateful, and humbled, by all the opportunities Fordham have given me including this latest one," McLaughlin said. "It has been an honor to lead the University's athletic program, and I'm excited to step into this new role while continuing to mentor student athletes."

[Ram 91]

And McLaughlin still reports to Jeff Gray.   

quod erat demonstrandum

[bronxram]

PeterMartin08 where may I ask are you reading this from?

[Ram 91]

PeterMartin08 where may I ask are you reading this from?

I've seen the same language.  It may not have hit the internet yet.

[ace93]

PeterMartin08 where may I ask are you reading this from?

Clearly he has a copy of the release.

[Rose Hill Ram 09]

new chairman of the board announced. now this? coincidence ?

[Ram 91]

If it hadn't come at the end of the academic year, between graduation and Jubilee, I might have suspected a link.  As it is it's more or less a natural time for both.

[Rich93]

I really hope the new AD does not have any prior relationship with Fordham.  I think it is necessary to have a complete outsider come in and look at the state of our athletics with an unbiased view.  I hope Jeff Gray is cut out of the equation and this new person reports directly to the President but I doubt that will happen.  Gray likes playing in the athletics sandbox, it makes him feel important.  The department will only move forward if those making the decision regarding who to hire want it to move forward.  We have for years said Frank is not the only problem and the administration is also responsible for our record in athletics.  They have a chance here to get us on track, lets see if they take advantage of the opportunity.  

[Ram 91]

If they don't grant the new AD a great deal of autonomy and authority it will be a missed opportunity, and one that doesn't come along very often.

[Stringer Bell]

I really hope the new AD does not have any prior relationship with Fordham.  I think it is necessary to have a complete outsider come in and look at the state of our athletics with an unbiased view.  I hope Jeff Gray is cut out of the equation and this new person reports directly to the President but I doubt that will happen.  Gray likes playing in the athletics sandbox, it makes him feel important.  The department will only move forward if those making the decision regarding who to hire want it to move forward.  We have for years said Frank is not the only problem and the administration is also responsible for our record in athletics.  They have a chance here to get us on track, lets see if they take advantage of the opportunity.  

Spot on Rich.  I really hope the new AD is an outsider and that Gray is completely removed from the equation.

[Rose Hill Ram 09]

judging from how fordham has replaced its deans in recent past (the deans of FCRH, GBA, and the law school just to name a few), i unfortunately would not be surprised if a fordham-connected "inside" person was chosen

[SIram]

If they don't grant the new AD a great deal of autonomy and authority it will be a missed opportunity, and one that doesn't come along very often.

It comes along every 28 years or so

judging from how fordham has replaced its deans in recent past (the deans of FCRH, GBA, and the law school just to name a few), i unfortunately would not be surprised if a fordham-connected "inside" person was chosen

The BOT should not stand for it, but......

[Ram 91]

It comes along every 28 years or so

'zactly.  Though an outsider will be much easier to terminate if things don't work out.

I'd be worried about an insider, though we've had insiders running the show for so long, and with such limited results in the marquee sports, I'm not sure there is a great overlap between the pool of qualified candidates and people who have had long tenured decision-making positions in the department at any time over the past quarter century.

[ace93]

I really hope the new AD does not have any prior relationship with Fordham.

Had he not just taken the same job at Brown, I think Jack Hayes would have been a food candidate. I think Tim McMahon, despite some thinking he might be too young, would be an excellent candidate. Both have prior experience at FU, so in that regard I disagree with your statement.

[ace93]

Here it is.  I was told it is ok to post now. Probably would have been ok earlier, but just wanted to make sure.


McLaughlin Named AVP for Athletic Alumni Relations,
 
Search for Athletic Director Opened
 
NEW YORK (May 24, 2012) - Fordham University Executive Director of Athletics Frank McLaughlin will be promoted to the new position of associate vice president of student affairs for athletic alumni relations and external affairs/athletic director emeritus at the University on July 1, 2012, it was announced today. The University has also announced a national search to fill the position of athletic director, held by McLaughlin for 27 years.
 
“Frank McLaughlin is an institution at Fordham, and under his leadership the University’s athletic program has matured and prospered,” said Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham. “We are delighted to retain his long experience and wisdom as we open a new chapter in the University’s athletic tradition.”
 
In his new position, McLaughlin’s responsibilities will include providing leadership for institutional efforts focused on athletic alumni relations, fundraising and external athletic affairs as well as supporting the overall University fundraising and campaign efforts with a special focus on intercollegiate athletics. He will also work closely with varsity coaches and athletic department staff in identifying fundraising needs and opportunities for individual programs, and advancing efforts in support of same.
 
“I am grateful, and humbled, by all the opportunities Fordham has given me, including this latest one,” McLaughlin said. “It has been an honor to lead the University’s athletic program, and I’m excited to step into this new role while continuing to mentor student athletes.”
 
McLaughlin has been at Fordham since taking over as the athletic director at his alma mater in 1985. After serving as the athletic director for 13 years, McLaughlin was promoted to executive director of intercollegiate athletics and recreation in the spring of 1998.
 
The University is assembling a search committee for the athletic director position, and will pursue highly qualified candidates from across the country, with the goal of filling the position during the fall semester.
 
“The athletic program has expanded significantly and become a professional operation on Frank’s watch,” Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Jeffrey L. Gray said. “I admire him personally and professionally. He is an outstanding husband and father, and the many achievements we’ve made in athletics are due to his strong leadership and good judgment. I look forward to working with Frank in his new capacity, where he will continue to serve the University and the athletic department in advancing our important mission.”
 
Under McLaughlin’s tenure, the Fordham University athletic department has experienced numerous changes. Among those has been the recent renovation of the Bahoshy Softball Field, a new football locker room, new basketball locker rooms and renovations to Jack Coffey Field and the Murphy Field complex.  Both fields have been resurfaced with state of the art FieldTurf, with Coffey Field adding lights, a baseball press box and a new scoreboard. Murphy Field, a multi-purpose athletic facility, added tennis courts, a softball field, and a soccer, football and recreational field, all lighted.  Under McLaughlin’s watch, the athletic department constructed the Walsh Training Center, the first varsity training center at Fordham dedicated exclusively to student-athletes.
 
McLaughlin has also overseen the addition of eight full-time coaching positions, the promotion of several coaches from part-time to full-time status and the addition of full-time staffing in the sports medicine, strength and conditioning and sports information offices. He also directed the addition of women’s soccer and rowing as a varsity sports.
 
During McLaughlin’s time as athletic director, the Rams experienced success both on and off the playing fields. Since 1985, Fordham has won 26 conference championships, including the 2011 Atlantic 10 softball title last spring, the 2010 Atlantic 10 Women's Swimming Championship, and two Patriot League football championships.
 
Academically, Fordham annually ranks among the leaders in the number of student-athletes named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and has routinely been among the national leaders in NCAA Academic Progress Rates, ranking 18th in the country in 2011.
 
A 1969 Fordham graduate and standout basketball student-athlete, McLaughlin captained the Rams during his senior season and was drafted by the New York Knicks following graduation.  He went on to become an assistant coach at the College of the Holy Cross and after a season there returned to Fordham as an assistant under Richard “Digger” Phelps in 1970-1971, helping the Rams to a 26-3 record (.897) and an NCAA Tournament appearance.  Fordham finished the season with a ranking of ninth in the nation.
 
McLaughlin moved to Notre Dame with Phelps the following year where he was a major part of the Fighting Irish’s program through his outstanding recruiting and academic guidance.  He helped the Irish to consistent national rankings and NCAA Tournament bids.
 
In 1977, McLaughlin was named the head coach at Harvard University, where he remained for eight years.  In his final season he compiled a 15-9 mark, and currently ranks fourth in both seasons and wins in Crimson history.
 
McLaughlin and his wife, Susan, have three daughters: Tara Marie (a 1999 Fordham graduate), Mary Heather, (a 2002 Fordham graduate) and Colleen Patrice (a 2005 Fordham graduate).  The McLaughlins reside in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.
 
Founded in 1841, Fordham is New York City’s Jesuit University. With 22 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams, the Fordham Rams are members of the NCAA Division I and compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, indoor and outdoor track, women’s rowing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis and volleyball. The Fordham Rams compete in the NCAA FCS Patriot League for football, winning the 2003 and 2007 Patriot League championship.