KNOXVILLE – An international search consulting firm, Heidrick & Struggles, has been selected to assist the University of Tennessee choose a new men’s athletics director.
Heidrick & Struggles will receive applications and nominations for candidates to succeed Doug Dickey. Dickey is retiring in June, but the committee hopes to make a recommendation to President Shumaker by April so that a final appointment can be made and the new AD will have time to work with Dickey during a transition period.
“The University of Tennessee has one of the most well-respected and successful athletic programs in the nation,” UT President John W. Shumaker said. “In Heidrick & Struggles, we have a company that can help us continue to build on the excellence Doug Dickey has brought to our program.
“The ‘UT 2010 Scorecard’ establishes new standards for graduation rates for all of our students, and the new Athletic Director will play a critical role in our success in the classroom and the various athletic arenas,- he said.
Executive Vice President Steve Leonard, who is heading the staff work for the search, notes that developing search procedures and a timeline will be the first tasks for the search committee and Heidrick & Struggles.
He said there were 15 responses to the request for proposals.
While several were noteworthy, Heidrick & Struggles was the committee’s choice to help with this very important appointment.
Heidrick & Struggles is an internationally known search firm which has a track record of successful searches for college athletics. Heading the search for Heidrick & Struggles will be Dr. Charles Knapp, a partner in the firm. He is the retired President of the University of Georgia, who brings his depth of experience in college academics, athletics, and a strong working knowledge of the southeastern conference to the search.
The executive committee of the University’s Athletics Board, is serving as the search advisory committee.