University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Names Interim Athletic Director
UMass Names Interim Athletic Director
 |  Bill Strickland has been named UMass' interim athletic director. |
May 22, 2002
AMHERST, Mass. -- University of Massachusetts Chancellor Marcellette G. Williams announced today that Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs Bill Strickland will serve as the University's interim athletic director until a permanent replacement for the retiring Bob Marcum is selected.
In his current post, Strickland coordinates all aspects of television and radio broadcasts of UMass athletic events and coaches' shows, and serves as Marcum's primary liaison to the Minuteman men's basketball and football programs. In addition, Strickland, who has 20 years of professional intercollegiate work experience, supervises the marketing and ticket offices, provides administrative oversight of the University's men's and women's lacrosse programs, and directs the scheduling of all UMass athletic events in the Mullins Center.
Williams said: "UMass Amherst is fortunate to have someone of Bill Strickland's experience and thorough familiarity with the current program to step in and carry on the program without missing a beat."
She said: "This is an important leadership appointment, one that will ensure a continued strong program in Division I athletics. Bill has both my full support and trust and the full support and trust of his colleagues in the department."
"I appreciate the confidence Chancellor Williams has shown in me by selecting me for this position," Strickland said. "I look forward to having the opportunity to provide the department with continuity, stability, and leadership while the University searches for a permanent replacement for Bob Marcum."
Prior to being promoted to associate athletic director, Strickland was assistant athletic director for media relations from June 1993 to August 1995. Before joining UMass, Strickland was associate sports information director at Syracuse University, where he worked primarily with the school's nationally ranked football, men's basketball and men's lacrosse programs. He previously worked on the sales and promotions staff of the Boston Breakers of the USFL, and served as sports information director at UMass Boston, and as an assistant sports information director at Florida International University.
During his career, Strickland has worked at 12 NCAA Men's Basketball Championships, including two Final Fours, plus seven bowl games. In addition, he served as Tournament Director for the 1998 NCAA I-AA Football Quarterfinal, the 1998 NCAA Men's Lacrosse North Regional, and the 2002 Atlantic 10 Women's Lacrosse Championship, all of which were held at UMass. Strickland also served as media coordinator for the 1988 and 1990 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships and the 1995 NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship.
A native of Dedham, Mass., Strickland attended UMass for two years, before transferring to Syracuse where he earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in newspaper journalism from the Newhouse School of Public Communication in 1981.
Strickland and his wife, Kate, reside in Sunderland, Mass.
Besides announcing the appointment of Strickland as interim A.D., Williams said a search committee has been formed for a permanent director. She said that she and Chancellor Designate John V. Lombardi expect the committee to complete its work by mid-summer.
Co-chairs for the athletic director search committee are: Associate Provost Susan Pearson and Glenn Wong, UMass professor of sport studies, member of the Faculty Senate Athletic Council, and faculty representative to the NCAA.
Members of the committee are:
AMHERST, Mass. -- University of Massachusetts Chancellor Marcellette G. Williams announced today that Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs Bill Strickland will serve as the University's interim athletic director until a permanent replacement for the retiring Bob Marcum is selected.
In his current post, Strickland coordinates all aspects of television and radio broadcasts of UMass athletic events and coaches' shows, and serves as Marcum's primary liaison to the Minuteman men's basketball and football programs. In addition, Strickland, who has 20 years of professional intercollegiate work experience, supervises the marketing and ticket offices, provides administrative oversight of the University's men's and women's lacrosse programs, and directs the scheduling of all UMass athletic events in the Mullins Center.
Williams said: "UMass Amherst is fortunate to have someone of Bill Strickland's experience and thorough familiarity with the current program to step in and carry on the program without missing a beat."
She said: "This is an important leadership appointment, one that will ensure a continued strong program in Division I athletics. Bill has both my full support and trust and the full support and trust of his colleagues in the department."
"I appreciate the confidence Chancellor Williams has shown in me by selecting me for this position," Strickland said. "I look forward to having the opportunity to provide the department with continuity, stability, and leadership while the University searches for a permanent replacement for Bob Marcum."
Prior to being promoted to associate athletic director, Strickland was assistant athletic director for media relations from June 1993 to August 1995. Before joining UMass, Strickland was associate sports information director at Syracuse University, where he worked primarily with the school's nationally ranked football, men's basketball and men's lacrosse programs. He previously worked on the sales and promotions staff of the Boston Breakers of the USFL, and served as sports information director at UMass Boston, and as an assistant sports information director at Florida International University.
During his career, Strickland has worked at 12 NCAA Men's Basketball Championships, including two Final Fours, plus seven bowl games. In addition, he served as Tournament Director for the 1998 NCAA I-AA Football Quarterfinal, the 1998 NCAA Men's Lacrosse North Regional, and the 2002 Atlantic 10 Women's Lacrosse Championship, all of which were held at UMass. Strickland also served as media coordinator for the 1988 and 1990 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships and the 1995 NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship.
A native of Dedham, Mass., Strickland attended UMass for two years, before transferring to Syracuse where he earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in newspaper journalism from the Newhouse School of Public Communication in 1981.
Strickland and his wife, Kate, reside in Sunderland, Mass.
Besides announcing the appointment of Strickland as interim A.D., Williams said a search committee has been formed for a permanent director. She said that she and Chancellor Designate John V. Lombardi expect the committee to complete its work by mid-summer.
Co-chairs for the athletic director search committee are: Associate Provost Susan Pearson and Glenn Wong, UMass professor of sport studies, member of the Faculty Senate Athletic Council, and faculty representative to the NCAA.
Members of the committee are:
- Carol Barr, professor of sport studies and a member of the Faculty Senate Athletic Council
- George Burke, alumnus and a member of the UMass Athletic Hall of Fame
- James R. Julian, UMass executive vice president in the UMass President's Office
- Steve Lappas, head coach, UMass men's basketball team
- James Karam, trustee
- Jack Naughton, trustee
- Jess Kane, president, UMass Alumni Association
- Bill Powers, student trustee
- Charlena Seymour, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost
- Elaine Sortino, associate athletic director and head coach of the UMass softball team
- Stephen Tocco, chair, Mass. Board of Higher Education
- Rodney Warnick, professor of Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Administration and co-chair of the Athletic Council
- Ernest Washington, professor of teacher education and curriculum studies, and member of the Athletic Council