Last finalist for athletic director visits campus
Tuite is the interim athletics director at San Jose State University
Interim athletics director at San Jose State University was the last of four finalists scheduled 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 scheduled 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 did not include public forums for students and staff to participate in.
Each finalist had fourinterviews at CMU where they met 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.
Marie Tuite joined the San Jose State University athletics administrative team in an executive capacity in June 2010. She was the deputy director of athletics and internal operations before serving as the athletic director during the interim period starting in February. She was previously the interim athletic director at SJSU from April through June 2012.
Tuite earned a bachelor's degree in education from CMU in 1975, and earned her master's five years later. In 1990, she was inducted into CMU's Delta Psi Kappa Honorary Fraternity. In 2015, she was a guest speaker for CMU's annual Sport Management Association Conference.
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. After the 10 day extension period ended on May 9, the university granted the request for the four finalists, but denied access to the applications of the non-finalists.
Bob Martin, vice president for advancement and chair of the 16-member search committee, said in a statement requested 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.
University of Notre Dame's senior associate athletics director for student-athlete services Mike Harrity was the first finalist to interview on campus for athletic director position. He visited CMU May 1. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley director of intercollegiate athletics Chris King was the second to visit campus on May 2. University of Oklahoma senior associate athletics director for administration and development Michael Alford was the third to interview on May 8.
Ross is expected to make an offer to a candidate to fill the position by June 1.
