Following a four-month, comprehensive review of BYU’s athletics program, advancement vice president K. Fred Skousen, ’65, announced the consolidation of men’s and women’s athletics into one athletics department. Skousen noted that this move will benefit all BYU athletes and coaches.
“By having one athletics department, BYU will eliminate any duplication of time and resources, channeling all effort into one cohesive program,” Skousen said at a Sept. 8 press conference. “This new department will be based on a well-defined strategy, allowing for consistent budget management, consistent treatment of student athletes, and clear accountability.”
The new department is led by a transitional leadership team under the direction of Skousen. With the consolidation, Elaine Michaelis, ’60, is retiring as women’s athletic director. Q. Vale Hale, ’81, whose contract was not renewed as men’s athletic director, has accepted an opportunity working with Utah Valley State College and the college’s president, William A. Sederburg, in the area of community relations. “We recognize and appreciate the dedication and contribution of Val and Elaine to the university over a long period of time,” said Skousen.
The members of the leadership team are Peter E. Pilling, ’85, senior associate athletic director; Tom A. Holmoe, ’83, senior associate athletic director; Brian S. Santiago, ’01, associate athletic director; and Janette L. Penfield, ’03, newly appointed associate athletic director and senior woman administrator. Pilling and Holmoe will act as cochairs of the transition team.
“After completing a four-month self-study, we believe we are ready to implement a number of recommendations that will help us create a distinctive, exceptional athletics program built upon the goals and values of BYU,” said Skousen.
The consolidation of the two programs is an important step in this direction, he explained. “Not only will this allow for consistency in our management functions, but also in our philosophy of sport. We expect to see greater emphasis on academics and the spiritual values of our student athletes, improved communication, better support for all coaches and sports, increased emphasis on fiscal management, and improved unity and teamwork.”
A formal search for an athletic director is not expected to begin until early 2005.
Read more at more.byu.edu/athletics