Also, CSU just hired a new AD.
Press Release LinkCLEVELAND – After an intensive national search, Cleveland State University has announced the appointment of Scott Garrett as its seventh Director of Athletics.
Garrett was formally introduced at a press conference Monday afternoon in Cleveland State's Student Center by CSU President Harlan M. Sands.
Garrett comes to CSU after nine years at Kansas State University, where he was the senior athletic administrator overseeing business operations, fundraising, coaching evaluations, fan experiences and student-athlete well-being. At CSU, Garrett will provide leadership and oversight for CSU's 18 NCAA Division I sports.
"Scott Garrett is a very successful leader who has had a tremendous impact at every level of athletics administration he has touched. He is all about building a winning culture with integrity and values – both on the field and in the classroom," CSU President Harlan M. Sands said. "We are very excited that he will be joining our team, and I look forward to working with him as we build upon the athletic and academic achievements of our student-athletes."
"I am privileged and honored to be named Cleveland State University's next Director of Athletics," Garrett said. "Throughout the search process I have been extremely impressed with President Sands' vision for CSU, the positive energy around campus and the numerous opportunities to move CSU Athletics forward."
Garrett most recently served as Executive Associate Athletics Director for External Operations and Chief Revenue Officer at Kansas State, where he was responsible for all aspects of administration, including strategic revenue generation initiatives and fan experience programming. In his nine years at Kansas State, Garrett provided leadership that generated 46 sellouts in football, national Top 25 attendance rankings in men's and women's basketball, women's soccer, volleyball and baseball and a 40 percent increase in overall ticket revenue. Garrett's duties at Kansas State also included management of a donor portfolio accounting for over $1.5 million in contributions annually, spearheading the department's strategic planning efforts and sport administration oversight, including coaching personnel evaluations and search management.
"I look forward to investing my energy into helping our staff and coaches deliver transformational experiences for our student-athletes, enhancing the University's academic mission and enthusiastically cultivating Cleveland State stakeholders for their support in our efforts,"Garrett said.
Garrett's previous stops in intercollegiate athletics include serving as Assistant Athletics Director at Wichita State University from 2008 to 2010 and Director of Sales and Ticket Operations with fellow Horizon League member University of Illinois at Chicago from 2003 to 2008.
Garrett graduated with a Bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing from Illinois State in 2002 and proceeded to earn a Master's in sport management and athletics administration from Indiana in 2003.
A native of Channahon, Ill., Garrett and his wife Kristy have two children, Matthew (12) and Audrey (8). Garrett will assume his duties at CSU on April 24.
What Others Are Saying About Scott Garrett
John Currie, Director of Athletics at Wake Forest University and former Director of Athletics at Kansas State University:
"President Sands has hit a grand slam home run with the hire of Scott Garrett. Scott is deeply committed to the holistic development of student-athletes, is a tireless worker and is one of the most creative promoters in all of college athletics. From the moment we hired him at Kansas State in 2010, his intellect, drive and knack for innovation made our department and university community better. I am excited to watch him team with President Sands to turn Cleveland State into a leader in the Horizon League academically, athletically and in service to the community."
Mike Alden, Senior Advisor to the President of Cleveland State University for Athletics and former Director of Athletics at the University of Missouri: "Cleveland State has hired a talented, value-based leader in Scott Garrett. He displays great initiative and teamwork and will be an asset to CSU, to Viking Athletics and to the City of Cleveland, both regionally and nationally. Congratulations to President Sands on recruiting a partner to the leadership team that will result in future successes at Cleveland State."
Bob Vecchione, Executive Director of the National Association of College Directors of Athletics:
"Scott Garrett is an outstanding professional who will do a terrific job at CSU. He has the right combination of solid core values, creativity, teamwork and servant leadership to elevate Viking Athletics. I look forward to working with Scott and engaging CSU on our collaborative initiatives in college athletics."
Bob Bowlsby, Commissioner, Big 12 Conference:
"Scott Garrett has served admirably at Kansas State for the past nine years and he will be missed at KSU and within the Big 12 Conference. Scott has been an integral part of the extraordinary success at K-State and his knowledge and experience will serve Cleveland State University very well. His expertise in all forms of patron and donor interface will make an immediate and positive impact. Additionally, Scott's experiences working with some of America's premier corporate entities promises to enhance and expand the foundation of such relationships at Cleveland State. Mr. Garrett is a seasoned athletics professional whose career has been marked by innovation and putting the student-athlete first; Cleveland State University will greatly benefit by Scott's leadership for many years to come."
Palma Juhasz, Former Student-Athlete, Kansas State University (BBA, '17):
"I am very happy for Scott Garrett getting this new role. He absolutely deserves it, and I am sure he will make a positive impact right away. He always looks for opportunities to enhance every student-athlete's experience and ultimately supports them to achieve their dreams. Without his tremendous effort the improvements to the facilities for the K-State tennis program would not have been possible. He will be greatly missed by many at K-State but I've no doubt he will be an exceptional athletic director for Cleveland State University."
Eric L. Sexton, Former Director of Athletics, Wichita State University:
"Scott Garrett will bring energy, work ethic and a dedication to do the right things in the right way...every time. I knew he was destined to be in this role when he was my colleague at Wichita State University because of the meaningful contributions he made and the people he mentored and developed into professionals. Cleveland State is getting the right person to move them to new heights and serve student-athletes in a first class way. I wish him and his family the very best in this new chapter."
Danielle Steinberg, Head Coach, Women's Tennis, University of Colorado:
"Scott Garrett is a phenomenal leader and a great person. In my time at K-State, Scott supported me and my program in every step of the way, and was always there to simply listen and give guidance when necessary. There's no doubt that a big part of our success on the court and as a team was due to Scott's leadership. I am excited to see what he can do for the Vikings!"
Be Stoney, Associate Professor, Physical Education & Faculty Athletics Representative, Kansas State University:
"Scott Garrett is a leader and communicator. He is not hesitant to address new or old challenges and includes staff in decisions that impact the athletics department. He embraces shared ideas and directly involves himself in every aspects in the athletic programs. No task is beneath him. He digs into his work with careful attention to details, while empowering his employees in every aspect in athletics. As the Faculty Athletics Representative, I appreciate his understanding in the importance and contributions in my role in the athletics department and representing student-athletes."
Gene Taylor, Director of Athletics, Kansas State University:
"Scott has been a tremendous asset to our department and an integral part of our senior team. We are very happy for Scott and his family. He has worked extremely hard to prepare himself for this great opportunity. His expertise in revenue generation, fan experience and ticketing has elevated K-State to achieving some of the nation's top attendance marks in recent years, while also improving and enhancing the overall experience for our fans at games. His tireless work ethic, passion and external background will be a winning combination for Cleveland State."
Bruce Weber, Head Men's Basketball Coach, Kansas State University:
"I have been fortunate to get to know Scott during my time at K-State. He has had a great vision which has allowed us to have the resources to be successful in building our athletic programs. There is no doubt that he will bring the same type of work ethic and vision to Cleveland State Athletics to help them reach their full potential."