By: Malcolm Shields
Florida Atlantic University’s search for its new Director of Athletics officially ended on July 2 as Patrick Chun was selected to lead the Owls’ athletics program. Chun comes to FAU after spending over 15 years at Ohio State University where he held many job titles.
His latest role at Ohio State before accepting the FAU position was the Executive Associate Athletics Director for External Relations. “He has helped oversee a nationally prominent [athletics] department,” said FAU President Dr. Mary Jane Saunders. “He has covered all aspects of development and marketing.”
Chun replaces Craig Angelos, whose contract was not renewed by FAU’s Board of Trustees on March 21.
Chun holds a bachelor’s of arts degree in journalism from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in sports leadership from Duquesne University. “We have the confidence that he will take our athletics department to the next level of development,” President Saunders said.
Chun stated that the people within the administration and the athletics department were one of the aspects that convinced him to accept the position at FAU. “Successful organizations are defined by people. You can sense the pride and the purpose with the people at Florida Atlantic” Chun said. “Once you get to know the people… and everyone associated with this University, it’s not a [hard] decision. You hope they want [you]. I am lucky that they wanted me.”
Chun stated that he wants the message of the athletics department is to embrace comprehensive excellence, increased focus on serving the student-athlete and to embrace a higher purpose for the athletic department and the University.
“In athletics, we have the responsibility of enhancing the brand of Florida Atlantic University,” Chun said. “Our success should be a direct reflection of this growing and dynamic institution. We will embrace our responsibility for being an economic stimulator for this campus, the City of Boca Raton and entire South Florida region.”
The biggest selling point on Chun to President Saunders was Chun’s experience. “Some the things that we were looking for were expertise in fund-raising, marketing, and ticketing. He certainly has a proven track record,” President Saunders said. “This was an easy decision. Pat’s background really matched up with the needs that we have to move our great university forward.”
Throughout the search process, Melissa Dawson – currently the Senior Associate AD-Internal Operations/Senior Women’s Administrator – played a vital role as the Interim Athletics Director while the University was conducting its search.
She led the department in completing the contract for a three-game series in football with the University of Miami, a contract extension with men’s basketball head coach Mike Jarvis, hiring volleyball head coach Fernanda Nelson and women’s basketball head coach Kellie Lewis-Jay. “She has done an excellent job in keeping everything moving forward,” President Saunders said. “We greatly appreciate her hard work and dedication to FAU athletics and FAU.”
Although the University opened a new $70 million football stadium last fall, other facilities on campus like FAU Arena and FAU Baseball Stadium are in need for renovations.
Chun’s focus in the coming days is to take a wider examination of the athletics department. “We will take a look at everything,” Chun said. “We will get together our strategic plans. My first 100 days in the office will really be going to listening to our staff. We will sit down as a staff and we are going to gather some information… to get FAU going [to] the next level.”
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