Chicago State University today announced Dan Schumacher as the next director of Intercollegiate Athletics of the NCAA Division I university. Schumacher assumes the helm June 11, taking over from Interim Director Sonja Clayton-Pedersen, who held the post 14 months.
In pledging to work with collaboratively throughout the university, the south side-born Schumacher said he would avoid working in a silo, instead, using the relationship building skills he successfully employed at NCAA Division II Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., to build quality sports programs and enhance facilities.
“I'm a disciplinarian first, an educator second, and an athletic director third,” said Schumacher, who likened his mission at CSU to building a family.
Recruiting college-ready kids who understand discipline and time management is at the top of his to-do list, Schumacher told a crowd of about 70 community members, media, professionals and educators who attended Tuesday's press conference at CSU's Jones Convocation Center.
'We can win with smart kids,” said Schumacher, who referred to the athletic program as a “diamond in the rough.”
“This will not be an easy fix,” Schumacher said. “Academic success and championship banners will take hard work, dedication, faith and leadership. I am ready for this challenge. The athletic staff and coaches are ready for the challenge. I'm ready to get to work.”
CSU President Wayne D. Watson announced Schumacher's appointment as a critical step in his administration's efforts to shift toward higher graduation rates and increase academic rigor, in addition to achieving comprehensive operational excellence at the institution Watson has held since October 2009.
“Dan's appointment represents a paradigm shift in how we reset the tone of the athletics department,” Watson said. “Ultimately, I had the privilege of selecting a person who demonstrated exemplary leadership, uncompromising integrity, competitive drive and innovative ideas and who will help elevate Chicago State athletics to the next level.”
Chicago State University Intercollegiate Athletics is a NCAA Division I institution with 14 sports that include golf, tennis, cross-country, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and track and field. The university is a member of the Great West Conference.
~CSU~
