July 2, 2008

ATHENS, Ohio - Ohio Director of Athletics Jim Schaus introduced "Bobcat Renaissance", a new long-term vision for Ohio Athletics, at a 1 p.m. press conference Wednesday in the Convocation Center.

"This program encompasses a series of tactical initiatives that will be a part of a long-term strategic plan, which will be determined shortly," said Schaus. "We wanted to let our many constituents get an early look into our future vision as we further develop an athletic program focused on excellence and contributes so much to the university and community."

"Bobcat Renaissance" is a series of strategic initiatives designed to foster excellence in Ohio University Athletics. These efforts will be foundational strategies in the athletic department's future planning. Key areas of emphasis include:

Strategic Planning

A five-year strategic plan will be completed this year to identify future priorities, goals and strategies for success. Widespread constituency input will also be a key component of the process.

Long-Term Financial Stability

A critical future objective is to ensure long-term financial stability for the athletic department's annual operating budget and overall finances.

·          The goal is to have the athletic department annual operating budget become more self-supporting and to have the resources to be highly competitive, both in the conference and nationally.

·          Another goal is to have long-term strategies for increased revenues and efficient spending developed by January, 2009.

·          We will also see a shift in the Bobcat Club annual giving where the focus is on raising funds for athletic scholarships.

Building Relationships

Building relationships and improving communication with all constituents is an important priority.

·          One example will be the Bobcat Representative Program, which is a new statewide/regional volunteer-based program that will be enacted to increase communication and goodwill with supporters. It will also grow Bobcat Club membership, enhance revenue opportunities and serve as a structure for hospitality events. The program will begin in spring 2009.

·          A concerted effort to be accessible, transparent, and to freely provide information and seek feedback from all constituents will also be made. A list of projects will include: A free weekly e-mail newsletter to convey the latest pertinent information to fans, an Athletic Director weekly radio call-in show and regular department updates on OhioBobcats.com and town hall meetings for feedback and increasing overall presence in community.

·          Another example will be the Bobcat Care Program. A new customer service program will begin in the fall of 2009 which will feature an increased emphasis on the total fan experience at home events and serve supporters in a variety of areas.

·          We desire to be an athletic department where integrity is our hallmark in all that we do.

Sport Program Development

We will adopt strategies to best align sport programs for future success goals.

·          We will take on a number of facilities projects. A list of key future facilities projects to provide opportunities for program growth include:

1.       Indoor Practice Facility -- for football and a variety of other sports to assist with practices and training during inclement weather.

2.       Specialty projects, including: renovation of the Convocation athletic training center, swimming locker room renovation and softball stadium enhancement.  Future facility projects may include: a new academic center and a two-court practice facility at Convocation Center for court sports, renovation of the football locker room and selected others.

·          We will also enact strategic sport scheduling to increase opportunities for team success and revenue. An example of that will be a six-year, home and home football series with Marshall, beginning in 2010 and four-year men's basketball series, beginning in 2008.

Supporting the Student-Athlete Mission

A program focal point will continue to be the student-athlete and to assist them in excellence as a person, student and athlete. 

·          Our goal is to implement programming to assist in maintaining and growing the high graduation rate (92 percent for those completing their eligibility) and overall academic success.

·          We will develop programs which will ensure success with the NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR).  No Ohio University sport team has received an APR penalty since its inception.

·          We will focus on increasing sport team grade point averages, academic scholar awards and graduation success rate through enhanced and strategic support initiatives.

·          Ohio Athletics will build and grow on-campus relationships with deans, faculty and key University staff to optimize communication, rapport and an environment for future academic success.

Provide Value to University and Community

·          Strong athletics adds value to the University and community. Athletics annually generates millions of dollars of publicity, which in turn assists the University in supporting enrollment, fund raising projects and promotes school pride for faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends. Athletics also contributes entertainment value to the community and its events supply positive economic impact to the region.

·          Athletics is a window through which the University is viewed. We are committed to producing a clean and vibrant window that serves the overall mission of the University.

·          Support the Bobcats. It does not matter where you went to school or where you are from. If you live in our area, support the Bobcats because it benefits our region

Administrative Restructuring

The following are new administrative staff adjustments to better position the department for future success and focus toward maximizing revenue generation.

·          Ticket Operations

Bobcat ticket operations will be reporting to Dan Hauser, Associate Athletic Director, External Operations. Ticket manager Carmen Greene will be promoted to Assistant Athletic Director, Ticket Operations. Brian Hoskinson will be promoted to Director of Ticket Sales.

·          Development

Maura Murphy will be promoted to Assistant Athletic Director, Development. A new position, Director of Annual Giving, will be added to run the new Bobcat Representative program and assist in meeting fund raising goals. Tricia Perry will serve as development administrative assistant/assist with selected sport programs. 

·          Academics

Jason Kelly will be promoted to Assistant Athletic Director, Academic Services

·          Media Relations

Jason Corriher will be promoted to Assistant Athletic Director, Media Relations.

·          Business Operations

Julie Allison will have the title Director of Business Operations. 

·          Facilities

Facilities will be reporting to Amy Dean, Senior Associate Athletic Director.

Jason Farmer will be promoted to Assistant Athletic Director, Facilities. Tim Heneghan will now be Director of Facilities.

·          Sports Medicine

John Bowman will be promoted to Assistant Athletic Director, Sports Medicine/Health Services.