First of four finalists for athletic director visits campus
University of Notre Dame's senior associate athletics director for student-athlete services was the first of four finalists to interview on campus to become Central Michigan University's next athletic director.
Times and locations for the athletic director interviews were not disclosed. Members of the public were not included in the interview process. No further information about today's interview is available.
Unlike other recent searches conducted by the university, such as the Dean of Libraries, College of Communications and Fine Arts Dean and the Provost, the search for the athletic director does not include public forums for students and staff to participate in.
Each finalist will have four interviews at CMU where they will meet with President George E. Ross, the president's cabinet, head coaches and senior athletic department staff, and the search committee.
Former Director of Athletics Dave Heeke became athletics director at the University of Arizona after spending 11 years at CMU. Heeke's replacement is expected to earn about $250,000.
Mike Harrity earned a journalism scholarship to the University of Kansas where he also pursued a Master's degree in Education. The Kansas City native previously served in the athletics department at the University of Minnesota and Kansas before starting at Notre Dame in 2011. His wife, Dr. Megan Harrity, works at Notre Dame as a Counseling & Sport Psychologist.
The other finalists in the search are:
- Chris King, director of intercollegiate athletics at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He will travel to CMU tomorrow.
- Michael Alford, senior associate athletics director for administration and development at the University of Oklahoma. He will interview May 8.
- Marie Tuite, interim athletics director at San Jose State University. She will visit campus May 9.
On April 17, Central Michigan Life requested, through the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, the applications of eight candidates interviewed by the search committee by phone or Skype. On April 25, the university requested an additional 10 days to fulfill the request. Central Michigan Life is appealing the decision. Under the university's request, the application material will not be released until May 9 which is the final day of interviews.
Bob Martin, vice president for advancement and chair of the 16-member search committee, said in a statement requested today by CM Life that "most universities have confidential athletic director searches and use a search firm for them."
Martin stated the university saved $100,000 by appointing staff, faculty and student athletes to the search committee instead of hiring a search firm. When asked how much the university is spending on the AD search, Martin said he could not provide the cost until after the interview process is over.
Ross is expected to make an offer to a candidate to fill the position by June 1.
