honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Thursday, April 4, 2002

ISLE FILE
UH to get outside help in its search for A.D.

Advertiser Staff

The University of Hawai'i intends to hire an outside consultant to assist its 16-member committee in the search for the school's next athletic director.

David McClain, dean of the College of Business Administration and chairman of the committee, said such "headhunter" firms are especially useful for gathering the qualifications and resumes of prospects as well as increasing the pool of candidates.

Notre Dame drew heavy criticism when it hired George O'Leary as football coach in the fall and his resume was later found to be distorted.

A UH spokesman said search firms typically receive a fee of about 10 percent of the successful candidate's first year salary. UH President Evan Dobelle has said the school expects to pay its next athletic director approximately $180,000, the average in Division I for the position.

McClain said the committee is charged to recommend three finalists in unranked order to interim Manoa chancellor Deane Neubauer by the end of July.

Hugh Yoshida, who has been UH athletic director since 1993, will retire after his contract expires in December.

McClain said the committee will begin drawing up a list of qualifications and advertise the position. Prospective candidates who have been nominated or sent inquiries to UH will be notified of the minimum and preferred qualifications.

Volleyball player Margaret Vakasausau and baseball player Kevin Gilbride have been added to the committee. An appointee from the faculty senate is also due to be added.

McClain met yesterday with Yoshida and UH coaches seeking their input into the selection process.