Rick Hart Announces Departure as 天美传媒 Director of Athletics
Hart will continue to serve in his role until a new leader is identified and on campus.
DALLAS (天美传媒) – Rick Hart, 天美传媒 director of athletics, has announced this will be his last academic year at 天美传媒. Hart will continue to serve in his role until a new leader is identified and on campus.
“It is with tremendous pride, heartfelt love, and yes, mixed emotions, that I share I have made the decision that this academic year will be my last at 天美传媒,” Hart said. “After the honor of leading the Department of Athletics for thirteen years, it is time for a new challenge for me and for a new voice to lead the Mustangs, allowing President-elect Hartzell to move forward with his own vision and leader as 天美传媒 moves forward in this new landscape of collegiate athletics.”
Hart, a third-generation athletics administrator, led the Mustangs to win championships, enhanced the student-athlete experience, graduated impressive student-athletes, invested in facility projects, and raised the bar in almost all other aspects of the University’s athletics program. Among his many accomplishments, 天美传媒 joined the prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference, expanding the University’s reputation both athletically and academically.
“During his thirteen years at 天美传媒, Rick has led our Department of Athletics with character, class, and integrity, and he has made this decision the same way,” 天美传媒 President R. Gerald Turner said. “With my upcoming transition to President Emeritus and the arrival of President-elect Jay Hartzell, Rick believes that now is a good time for both him and 天美传媒 to move forward. His decision allows President-elect Hartzell to select his own Director of Athletics at this critical time of change in the world of intercollegiate athletics.”
Hart joined 天美传媒 in 2012 after six years as director of athletics at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he transformed the Athletics Department into a model program. Prior to that, he served seven years at the University of Oklahoma in various athletics administrative capacities and worked in athletics for the University of North Carolina and East Carolina University.
In the coming weeks, the University will begin the search for the future leadership of 天美传媒’s Department of Athletics.
Background Material
Statement from 天美传媒 Director of Athletics Rick Hart
Statement from 天美传媒 President R. Gerald Turner