FRESNO (KMJ) — Fresno State has introduced its newest Director of Athletics, with high praise from college President Joseph Castro.
“Terry Tumey was the most qualified candidate among an exceptional pool of candidates,” said Castro to a packed room inside the Save Mart Center.
“Terry is energetic, strategic, and personable.”
Castro listed off a number of reasons behind the decision to hire Tumey, including his background as a student athlete at UCLA, his experience as a coach, and his record of accomplishments in the NCAA.
“I am honored to be here today and accept the position of Director of Athletics at Fresno State,” began Terry Tumey.
Tumey takes on the position after the resignation of Jim Bartko in November (click here to read more). Earlier this month, Bartko issued a statement which said he was forced out of Fresno State. No reference was made to him during Monday morning’s press conference.
“Our department will be committed to the student experience, which will be based on comprehensive excellence throughout every engagement point of our students,” started Tumey.
“You may wonder what that means. In short, we all as a community have the honor of contributing to the transformational period of your growth as students.
“We are held accountable and should be committed to making this experience as fruitful and robust as any in the country.”
Student investment was a constant theme throughout Tumey’s remarks at the podium, as well as a promise to work for the surrounding Central Valley population too.
“We as a department have the distinct honor of serving a community so vast, so rich with character and pride. So special.
“We will remind our fans, our alumni, our donors, and those who have supported us throughout generations, and those new supporters, and the entire Valley community, that our commitment is to be great partners, to honor and serve and celebrate what this Valley stands for.”
Terrance J. “Terry” Tumey comes to Fresno State after serving as Director of Athletics at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in Southern California. He is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. His first day in his new position will be August 1st.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
