3 finalists enter the last round of interviewing for job as AD

By Cara Latham

The University has begun the process of interviewing the finalists who applied for the position of director of athletics, and Don Harnum, interim director of athletics, is one of them.

Harnum has been involved with the men’s basketball team, as assistant, associate, and then head coach, since he came to Rider in 1987, before stepping up to take over for Curt Blake, the former director of athletics. Blake abruptly retired before the fall semester began. Interim Head Coach Tom Dempsey, who was the assistant coach for the team, took the reins in Harnum’s place as a temporary head coach for the 2005-2006 season.

In the Sept. 23 issue of The Rider News, Harnum said that he “agreed to one year” and that his “intent is to return to
coaching.”

But, Harnum said, he changed his mind and applied for the position because he really enjoyed the opportunity.

“It was a very, very unique opportunity President Rozanski offered me this year,” Harnum said. “I have decided to explore it further.

“I do say it is a very good job, particularly given the many positive things [occurring] on campus. It is a very exciting time.”

The search committee, headed by Associate Vice President Debbie Stasolla, conducted a thorough selection process, including phone interviews as early as November, off-campus interviews on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. It then narrowed down all of the candidates to four finalists, one of whom decided to withdraw candidacy.

Stasolla said she is confident in each of the three finalists because of the large amount of time the committee took to build the pool of candidates and go through the screening rounds. The other two candidates, Carolyn Campbell-McGovern and William Smith, both have backgrounds that include extensive accomplishments at the list of positions they’ve held in the past.

“They all bring a breadth and depth of experience, they all have good solid communication skills, they all have a good drive, and motivation for the position and they’ve all demonstrated a real interest in Rider and how they each can contribute to further strengthen our athletics program,” said Stasolla. “That’s what makes this finalist process pretty competitive.”

What the search committee is looking for is someone who will be “the best fit for Rider,” and who possesses “proactive leadership” skills, said Stasolla.

“We’re looking for dynamic leadership that will ensure the integrity and competitiveness of our athletics program, and [who] can ensure the welfare of our athletes,” she said.

The committee is also looking for someone who “will help lead to a strategic plan for our department and who will help establish a vision in our department in the context of that strategic plan,” she said.

Smith will be interviewed on Tuesday, March 7; Harnum on Thursday, March 9; and Campbell-McGovern on Friday, March 10. All students, faculty and staff are able to attend an open forum for each candidate from 12:30 to 1 p.m. on the days they are scheduled to be interviewed. Before the open forum, student athletes will be able to attend a separate forum on the interview days from 11:30 to noon for each candidate.

“We really felt it is important that all student athletes have an opportunity to participate in the interview process,” said Stasolla. “That’s why we decided to include a separate forum for them.”

Stasolla and the committee will have to sift through feedback before a decision is made.

“The president will make the ultimate decision,” Stasolla said. “I would hope that a decision will be made during the following week, during spring break.”