ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, June 28, 1996 TAG: 9606280036
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-7 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RADFORD
SOURCE: ANGIE WATTS STAFF WRITER
Radford University's 12-member search committee completed its final two interviews for the athletic director's vacancy Wednesday. Paul Harris, the vice president for student affairs, said he anticipates an announcement the week of July 8.
``We had some very interesting interviews with all five finalists, as we anticipated,'' Harris said. ``It was a diverse pool in terms of strengths, experience and background ... we have a difficult decision on our hands.''
Harris on Thursday received reports from the interviewers. Harris said the reports will be combined and presented to Radford president Douglas Covington before a final decision is made.
Chuck Taylor resigned Feb.21 after 22 years as Radford's AD.
The first three candidates interviewed were Texas Woman's College athletic director Judy Southard, Lamar University athletic director Michael O'Brien and Moorhead (Minn.) State athletic director Katy Wilson.
The fourth finalist, Steve Nelson, has served as the assistant athletic director at Clemson University since 1994. Nelson's background includes a five-year stint on the NCAA Committee on Infractions in Overland Park, Kan., before his arrival at Clemson.
Nelson received his undergraduate degree from McAlester (Minn.) College, and earned a law degree from Iowa College of Law in 1985. In addition to being a practicing attorney, he also has worked in both television and marketing.
The fifth and final interviewee was Radford associate athletic director Greig Denny, the only member of the RU athletic department to apply for the position. Denny, originally scheduled to be the first person interviewed, had to reschedule after the death of his mother-in-law.
``I think it was difficult in the sense that you start to get mentally prepared for the interview process and then you have to get mentally prepared all over again,'' Denny said. ``But it was certainly a situation that was out of my control. I'm just glad to get through the process after being put on hold for a few weeks."
A 1979 graduate of Cortland (N.Y) State, Denny moved to Blacksburg in 1982 to pursue a master's degree in sports administration at Virginia Tech. He came to Radford as an athletic coordinator and moved up the ranks to assistant athletic director. Most recently, he was promoted to the associate AD position.
Denny has been employed at Radford for 13 years, but said he's not sure what kind of impact that will have on the search committee.
``I'm not sure if it's an advantage or not,'' Denny said. ``I think I have a very good understanding of where we've been, where we are now and where we want to go, but on the other hand, being internal, I think more is expected of you.
``But I thought [the interviews] went real well. It was a real good opportunity to sit down with all the constituents of the university and talk real seriously about the direction of the athletic program.
``Right now I'm in a situation where you just have to hurry up and wait.''
LENGTH: Medium: 60 linesby CNB