SOMERS, Wis. -- University of Wisconsin-Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford has named Andrew Gavin as the university's seventh director of athletics. Andrew begins his new role in August. Ford said, "I, along with our coaches and members of the UW-Parkside community, were very impressed with Andrew's passion for intercollegiate athletics, his character and his history of supporting student success. We are proud to welcome him back to Wisconsin and have him as the leader of Ranger Athletics." said Ford. Gavin was selected from an impressive pool of applicants and the University appreciates the support of Athletics Staffing and Consultants who assisted with the search.
"It is an honor and a privilege to join the team at UW-Parkside, and I am extremely humbled and appreciative that Chancellor Ford has presented me with this opportunity to lead the next chapter of Ranger Athletics," Gavin said. "I would like to thank Dr. Cloutier, Dr. Skalbeck, Kurt Patberg, Tim Selgo, and the UW-Parkside Community for helping to make this day possible."
Leading the search committee were Dr. Norm Cloutier and Dr. John Skalbeck. "Both Norm and I knew the importance of selecting a person with a keen sense of how academic success ties into the student-athlete experience," Skalbeck said. "Andrew, as a former student-athlete himself who was successful in the classroom, understands the importance of balance between academics and athletics."
"I look forward to working alongside our accomplished and experienced coaches, staff, and student-athletes. I am honored by the opportunity to lead, advocate, and cheerlead on their behalf," Gavin said. "Collectively, we will strive each day to have a profound and positive impact on each other, our University, and our community."
Andrew Gavin joins UW-Parkside from Centre College in Danville, Ky., where he served as associate athletic director for Advancement and External Relations. He oversaw all areas of external relations, directed the expansion of the Centre College sports information efforts, served as a liaison with the admissions office, restructured the athletics department's corporate partners program, and launched a new brand for Centre College Athletics. Gavin worked as a member of the College's advancement staff, overseeing fundraising and alumni relations for athletics. In addition, Andrew served on the Planning and Priorities Committee, Enrollment Management Committee, and Bicentennial Committee. Prior to Centre College, Andrew was assistant athletic director at UW-Green Bay.
"My wife Ashley and I are excited to return to Wisconsin and immerse our family not only into life at UW-Parkside, but also the Kenosha and Racine communities," Gavin said. "We have felt so welcomed by everyone involved in this process, and we look forward to fully embracing our new home."
Gavin is a 2006 graduate of Centre College where he earned a bachelor of arts in economics and government. He was a member of the men's basketball team and president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon while at Centre. He brings more than a decade of experience in collegiate athletic administration to UW-Parkside having also served at the University of South Carolina-Aiken and the University of Central Florida.
"It is not easy to leave my alma mater and the incredible people at Centre College. As I look ahead to this new chapter, I pause to thank Director of Athletics Brad Fields, President John Roush, and the countless other colleagues, fellow alumni, and Colonel supporters that have been invaluable to my journey."
