#10: Kentucky Wesleyan AD Mark Shook will depart at the end of the academic year for the same role at Hanover (DIII). KWC President James Cousins: “During his tenure, Mark pushed the college forward, leading significant advancements in our facilities, fundraising, and academic success outcomes of our student-athletes. We're grateful for his long hours and tireless efforts to create a positive student experience that has prepared them for success in life.” (link)
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#9: Walsh removes the interim tag from VP for Athletics/AD Christina Paone who has been leading the Cavaliers for more than a year. President Tim Collins: “She has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, a commitment to scholar-athletes, and the ability to drive the athletics program forward. Christina is well-positioned to lead Walsh Athletics as we continue to grow and enhance our sports offerings.” (link)
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#8: Gannon and Ursuline have approved a definitive agreement to merge by December 15, 2026. “At the end of the transition period, the two institutions will be combined under Gannon University, and Ursuline College will be operated as an additional location of Gannon with distinct academic programs, athletics, and facilities. The Ursuline College name will be retained throughout the partnership, and the school will become the Ursuline College Campus of Gannon University.” Ursuline President David King: “Because of our strengths, we had choices. We chose this pathway because it preserves our mission and will offer new and expanded opportunities for our students. There is a deep reservoir of alignment between our two institutions that is remarkable. […] As the landscape of higher education experiences turbulent times, particularly with smaller Catholic institutions, our vision is focused on a successful collaboration that will offer a model of academic excellence and mutual respect of our individual identities, all while creating a new shared culture and combined strength.” (link)
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#7: The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Patrick Reusse asks what many have “Will Divisions II and III follow and also grant the extra eligibility for JUCO athletes? And, since the waiver announcement stated ‘non-NCAA school,’ does this mean athletes competing at NAIA schools would be eligible for extra eligibility as transfers to four-year NCAA schools?” NSIC Commissioner Erin Lind, who sits on the DII Management Council, hopes more clarity will come following next week’s NCAA Convention in Nashville. Jamestown AD Austin Hieb says the Jimmies are checking about how the waiver applies to them moving as they move from NAIA to DII. (link)
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#6: Lenoir-Rhyne held an introductory presser for new AD Daron Montgomery. President Fred Whitt on the interest in the Bears' AD opening: “I wish we had more of an open records law and you could see all the candidates who applied for the position. Over ten sitting ADs, very successful places. In fact, our three finalists were all sitting athletic directors at some very impressive universities who all wanted to be here at Lenoir-Rhyne, but we hit a home run.” Montgomery: “For many college administrators, it’s a dream to think about coming back and leading and serving your alma mater. When the LR AD search got underway, that dream began for me and it became a possibility. […] We have one of the premier Division II NCAA athletic programs in this country without a doubt. We’re going to work hard every day. We’re going to bring a positive attitude. We’re going to do the little things well. We’ll remain committed to providing our student-athletes with that first-class experience in every facet of their time on campus.” (link)
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#5: The NCAA is considering allowing five years of eligibility for players in all sports moving forward, according to CBS’ Jon Rothstein, who notes there is “no timetable on when a decision will be made, but the topic will continue to be discussed in the early part of 2025. (link)
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#4: D2.ticker and BOSCA have compiled data around the 45 DII AD hires in 2024. Notable: 68.9% of hires were external candidates, with 41.9% of those coming from DII and 25.8% coming from DI. The gender disparity among hires was 75.6/24.4. Check out the full report on small college AD hires only on BOSCA. (link)
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#3: Erskine Deputy AD/SWA/NCAA Compliance Director Rebecca Magee is no longer with the college. (link)
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#2: Emporia State Women’s Basketball Assoc. HC John Ishee will serve as Acting HC for the Hornets’ next game and served as HC over Central Missouri after a recording of HC Brian Ostermann “loudly reprimanding” a student-athlete who has since left the team was shared with parents and supporters. (link)
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#1: Winona State AD Eric Schoh will retire in March to pursue an opportunity in the private sector after more than a dozen years leading the Warriors. VP for University Advancement/Winona State Foundation Executive Director Jon Olson will lead athletics in the interim. (link)
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