UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State President-elect Neeli Bendapudi announced today (April 14) the members of the search committee who are assisting in the selection of the University’s next vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA)/director of athletics.  

“We are seeking a leader who will continue to prioritize our student-athletes, coaches and staff and build upon Penn State’s tradition of academic and athletic excellence,” Bendapudi said. “I am very appreciative of those who are serving on this committee, as this is an important role that will add to our exceptional leadership at Penn State and will shape and elevate our athletics program for years to come.” 

The advisory committee represents key stakeholders, including a student-athlete, coach, faculty member, compliance and integrity staff member, and administrator. Search committee members include Guy Gadowsky, men’s ice hockey head coach; Tamla Lewis, interim athletics integrity officer; Dennis Scanlon, Distinguished Professor of Health Policy and Administration, National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) faculty athletics representative, and director of the Center for Health Care and Policy Research; Ally Schlegel, student-athlete on the women’s soccer team and chair of the Student-Athlete Advisory Board; and Michael Wade Smith, senior vice president and chief of staff.  

According to Bendapudi, the University is seeking a visionary and experienced leader who will:  

• Prioritize the education and experience of every student-athlete as their primary responsibility. 

• Build partnerships, networks and relationships within the athletics department, across Penn State’s 31 varsity sports, and throughout the University and broader Penn State community. 

• Lead with a high-level of integrity and model and uphold Penn State’s Values. 

• Bring demonstrated experience and a record of success as an athletic director of a NCAA Division I institution (preferred). 

• Demonstrate the financial, operational and strategy background needed to position Penn State for continued success given the increased complexity of the intercollegiate athletics landscape. 

• Have a record of successful fundraising for major athletics projects and opportunities for both men’s and women’s sports. 

• Be an inspiring leader who helps remove barriers and creates opportunities for teams to perform at the highest level in the classroom, at practice and in competition. 

Reporting directly to the president, the vice president for ICA/director of athletics will lead Penn State’s NCAA Division I athletics program with 31 varsity sports and more than 800 student-athletes and 340 staff. The vice president for ICA provides strategic direction and oversight for all aspects of the best-in-class athletics program; serves on President’s Council to advise on issues and concerns regarding Intercollegiate Athletics; is responsible for the financial management of the entire athletics division, which is separate from the University’s budget; and manages several large, complex athletics facilities.  

To learn more about Penn State Athletics, visit gopsusports.com.