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Contact: Office of the President – 208/792-2216
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Relations – 208/792-2200
Athletic Department Goals Remain
Unchanged
At a press conference to officially announce Athletic Director Kathy Noble’s
resignation, Lewis-Clark State President Dene Thomas outlined plans for the
department’s interim future.
Noble resigned last Friday due to health concerns. Her resignation is effective
immediately.
When asked who the new or acting Athletic Director would be, Thomas answered,
“You’re looking at her.” Starting immediately, coaches will report directly
to Thomas, while the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rita Morris, will
handle day-to-day operations. Morris will schedule time each day to be in the Athletic
Department offices.
Thomas said that, “In light of the current budget issues, we will not look to fill
the AD position immediately.” She offered no estimate on when a search would be
opened, saying there was no way to tell how long the process might take.
“Besides,” she said “I may like this.”
The searches for an assistant athletic director and volleyball coach were also put on
hold. Both are existing positions, with the assistant director responsible for fund
raising. Thomas stressed that virtually all position searches have been put on hold
pending re-evaluation of needs and budget issues.
As for where the athletic program is headed now, Thomas said the major issues are still
the same: getting a handle on budgets and providing continued quality opportunities to
students. Asked if there were additional athletic department cuts on the horizon, Thomas
said she doesn’t anticipate dropping any other sports. Rodeo and golf were slated for
elimination earlier this year after coming out on the short end of cost-benefit analyses.
Thomas was undaunted by the responsibilities acting as AD will add to her already
overflowing plate. She says she’s ready to take on the challenge. “I value the
coaches and the tremendous success they’ve enjoyed, and I’m committed to
athletics as a vital contributor to the college experience.” Thomas says she’s
looking forward to the opportunity to work more closely with coaches, saying,
“I’m familiar with the department and the budgets now, and am ready to go.”
Noble came to LCSC last August, taking on a program that had budget issues beyond recent
state funding cuts that could approach 15 percent. “These have been tough
times,” Thomas said. “Kathy’s done a lot of good for us in the short time
she’s been here and I’m—we’re all—very sorry to see her go.”
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