Ohio University Names Kirby Hocutt Drector Of Athletics
June 29, 2005
Story courtesy of Ohio University Athletic Media Relations
ATHENS, Ohio - Kirby Hocutt was named the new director of athletics at Ohio
University, effective Aug. 22, university President Roderick J. McDavis
announced at a press conference today. Hocutt, 33, has been associate
athletics director at the University of Oklahoma for the past six years.
"Kirby is the ideal person to lead Ohio University's athletics program to
the next level. As a former college athlete, he views college athletics
from a student-athlete's perspective and shares Ohio University's
commitment to offering its student-athletes the best possible experience in
the classroom and on the playing field," McDavis said. "Kirby has the
highest professional and personal qualities and possesses the commitment to
excellence that is necessary to ensure our athletics program reflects the
quality of the university as a whole. Ohio University remains committed to
academic and athletic excellence."
Hocutt said, "I've aspired to become a Division IA director of athletics at
an institution that has the leadership I've seen at Ohio University. I
cannot put into words the tremendous impression that President McDavis has
made on me. I'm so excited to be a part of his team as well as the vision
he has set for the university."
"As director of athletics, our student-athletes have to be the focal point
in all that we do, and this spirit must permeate the entire department of
athletics. I am a firm believer that athletic competition is an integral
part of a student-athlete's educational experience. The lessons you can
learn in competition you can also apply not only to your education in the
pursuit of your degree, but also to your career aspirations," Hocutt said.
Hocutt's duties at Oklahoma include supervision of the athletics
development office, athletics ticket office, special events, stadium suite
program, athletics endowment program, letter winners association and the
department's facility use and rental program. He additionally was the
primary administrator for football and the sport supervisor for baseball,
men's and women's golf, as well as men's and women's tennis.
Hocutt has led Oklahoma's athletics fundraising to an all-time high in
annual giving and capital campaigns. Since 1998, Oklahoma's annual giving
has increased from $3.4 million to more than $14 million in 2004. This 312
percent increase in annual giving is one of the highest percentage
increases in intercollegiate athletics history.
Beginning in 1999, Hocutt served a leadership position in the strategic
planning for the $100 million capital campaign. This $120 million campaign
was unique in that it focused on facility construction or improvements for
each of Oklahoma's 20 sports.
Prior to joining the Oklahoma staff, Hocutt served as the assistant
director of licensing at the NCAA. In that position, he worked with
corporate partners and licensees to create new revenue producing
initiatives to support and promote all 81 NCAA championships. He began his
career in sports administration as the assistant director of marketing and
promotions at Kansas State University. While at Kansas State, he
implemented revenue-producing activities for the athletics department
including corporate partner sponsorships and ticket sales.
A former student-athlete at Kansas State, Hocutt was a four-year letterman
as a linebacker while leading the Big 8 Conference in tackles and being
named All Big 8 Conference. The Sporting News selected him in 1993 as one
of the top 20 "underrated" players in the nation.
Hocutt earned his bachelor's degree from Kansas State in political science
in 1995 and his master's of education degree from the University of
Oklahoma in December 2001. He and his wife, Diane, have two sons, Drew
Phillips, 3 years old, and Brooks Ryan, who recently turned 1 year old.
College of Health and Human Services Dean Gary Neiman was chair of the
search committee to find a director of athletics. The committee consisted
of students, faculty, administrators and alumni. Eastman & Beaudine of
Dallas, Texas, assisted in identifying and screening candidates.
"I would like to commend Dean Neiman, members of the search committee and
representatives of Eastman and Beaudine for their diligence in identifying
an outstanding and diverse slate of candidates," McDavis said. "As
anticipated, a rich pool of applicants expressed an interest in this
position."
"I also would like to thank Amy Dean, our interim director of athletics,
for her great leadership during this very critical time. Amy will continue
to serve as our interim director of athletics until Aug. 21," McDavis said.
Ohio University, a charter member of the Mid-American Conference, fields
teams in 20 sports.
Hocutt is a native of Sherman, Texas. He succeeds Thomas Boeh, who recently
resigned to accept a similar position at California State University,
Fresno.
Hocutt agreed to a multi-year contract for $170,000 a year.
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT KIRBY HOCUTT
Rick Chryst
Commissioner
Mid-American Conference
"This is an outstanding hire for Ohio University. Kirby's professional
background and breadth of administrative experience make him a perfect fit
in Athens. The caliber of the candidate pool speaks to the health of the
athletics department and the institutional energy, personified in President
McDavis, that exists at Ohio University right now. As the charter member of
the Mid-American Conference, Ohio University takes a leadership role in
conference and national matters, and Kirby will be great in articulating
and fostering the highest values of intercollegiate athletics. The MAC is
fortunate to have excellent directors of athletics throughout the
conference, and this appointment is no exception."
Michael O'Brien
Director of Athletics
University of Toledo
"Kirby is one of the top young administrators in the country. This is a
terrific hire for Ohio University and the Mid-American Conference. Kirby's
work ethic, attention to detail and the recognition of the department's
needs are outstanding. His decisions are clearly made to better the
student-athlete experience. All of Kirby's success indicates that he is
more than prepared for a director of athletics position."
Dutch Baughman
Executive Director
Division IA Athletic Directors' Association
"Kirby is a graduate of the Division IA Athletic Directors' Institute, and
it has been a pleasure to watch how hard he has worked to prepare himself
for this opportunity. He has been mentored very well, and he has an
exceptionally strong personal character. Kirby is ready for this honor."
Jeff Long
Director of Athletics
University of Pittsburgh
"Kirby's experience as a Division I student-athlete, as a member of the
NCAA staff and as an athletic administrator on campus have prepared him
extremely well to meet the challenges faced by today's director of
athletics. His high level of personal and professional integrity coupled
with his warm and engaging style make him well-suited to work with the
numerous stakeholders at Ohio University."
Kevin Weiberg
Commissioner
Big 12 Conference
"Kirby is one of the best young administrators in the country. He will do a
fantastic job at Ohio University. He has been a very valuable part of the
administration at Oklahoma, and we will miss him in the Big 12, but I am
delighted that he will have this opportunity."
Mike Alden
Director of Athletics
University of Missouri
"Kirby Hocutt is a well-rounded professional who will do a tremendous job
in the position of director of athletics at Ohio University. He has
prepared himself well for this opportunity and will utilize broad
experiences to enhance the academic and athletic success of the Bobcats."
Mike Bohn
Director of Athletics
University of Colorado
"Kirby Hocutt represents everything that is right about college athletics.
As an exemplary student-athlete and a top-flight administrator, he and Ohio
University have a bright future."
Bob Beaudine
President and CEO
Eastman & Beaudine
"Kirby Hocutt is a superb choice for Ohio University. He is a tremendous
administrator and will bring passion, great organizational skills and a
strong work ethic to that role. His previous experience at such a highly
successful program will set a great tone at Ohio University."
