Search for an Athletic Director begins

In the wake of Judith Rodin's appointment to president, the athletic director search committee's job has been made a lot easier. Committee chairperson and Wharton professor Kenneth Shropshire said he was "as pleased as I could be so far," and added that his committee is beginning to get down to serious business, including interviews. The future of Penn athletics ultimately rests in the hands of the administration. With the appointment of Rodin, candidates for the vacant post can now ask the incoming President about her policies and opinions of intercollegiate athletics. This naturally makes the committee's job easier because the candidates will know who their next boss probably will be. "Candidates are positive [about Rodin's selection]," Shropshire said. "They know who they'll sit and talk with if they get to the final round." Although Acting Provost Marvin Lazerson is only an interim administrator, Shropshire said his status is not "much of a problem" and will not preclude him from participating in the selection process. "As long as the President is in place, that's good enough," he said. The selection of Rodin is important because the next Athletic Director must have a solid relationship with both the President and Provost. During final interviews, candidates will be able to decide whether Rodin and Lazerson's dedication to athletics is in line with their own goals. Shropshire also said that Rodin's familiarity with the Ivy League makes it very likely that Penn's athletic program will not be overhauled. "Rodin's familiarity with the Ivy League means that the school will continue to maintain Ivy Policy," he said. To date, the committee has not honed in on any finalists, most likely because according to Shropshire the committee received over 200 resumes. "People really want to come here," Shropshire said. "The number of resumes far exceeded what I personally expected to receive." "[Candidates] see the position as one where you can do a lot internally, but you can also do a lot on the national level," he said. Shropshire said that interest has come from a variety of interested parties including Penn employees, athletic administrators from other schools and members of the private sector who are not currently involved in intercollegiate athletics. While no deadline has been set for the final decision, Shropshire said he hopes to complete the search by early Spring. The Wharton professor hinted that meetings may be held over the break if they are convenient to all parties involved. "We may meet over the break, depending upon who's around," Shropshire said.