SUU names Knuth as Athletic Director
Southern Utah University has a new athletic director, with school officials announcing this week it had picked Doug Knuth, a former longtime athletic director at the University of Nevada.
Knuth steps in to take over the Thunderbirds' growing slate of athletics programs, with the school having recently moved from the Big Sky to the WAC with high hopes in place for the institution's six men's sports and nine women's sports.
School officials hosted a press conference Wednesday to announce the move, saying Knuth would make his official start in January.
“Doug has extensive experience as a leader in intercollegiate athletics,” SUU President Mindy Benson said. “His focus on students and his coaching team is clear from the educational and professional opportunities he provides through his leadership and the accolades they have received. Doug has the drive to lead and grow Thunderbird Athletics while supporting the student-athletes, coaches and staff.”
Knuth spent nine years at Nevada before leaving in April. The school parted ways with him a year before his contract ended, reportedly still on the hook to pay out most of the remainder of a $400,000-per-year salary.
Before his time at Nevada, Knuth worked as the senior associate athletic director at the University of Utah. While there he successfully led a team to launch a comprehensive athletics campaign and doubled the Utes’ annual fund in five years.
Knuth holds a master’s degree in business administration from Northwood University, a master’s degree insport administration and facility management from Ohio University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut.
"Doug will be an amazing addition to the Thunderbird family," said Marvin Dodge, vice president for finance and administration and search committee chair. "His calm demeanor and steady drive toward excellence will move SUU’s athletic programs and facilities forward in remarkable ways."
Debbie Corum, the former Athletic Director, announced her retirement in May, with Todd Brown, then an associate director, tabbed the next month to take on the role of interim director.
Knuth will look to build on the school's recent Division I track record, which has included winning seasons for several teams, among other successes.
During SUU’s first year in the WAC, the men’s basketball team had the best record in the state of Utah. The track and field team had nine student-athletes qualify for the NCAA Regionals. The men’s cross country team finished second in the WAC Championship, the "Flippin' Birds gymnastic team went to Regionals for the ninth year in a row, and the volleyball team made the WAC Tournament.
"This is a special time at SUU and I can’t wait to get started," Knuth said.
This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Knuth named new athletic director at SUU
