Report: Texas A&M Athletic Department begins search to replace Ross Bjork as AD
After former Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork departed for The Ohio State University on Jan. 16, the Aggies have officially begun their search for his replacement.
According to a report from Alex Miller of The Eagle, Texas A&M President Mark Welsh has formed a seven-member committee to find its next director of athletics within four to six weeks. R.C. Slocum was named the interim athletic director on Jan. 22.
“Texas A&M is a world-class university with a strong commitment to athletics excellence and the greatest fans in the world,” Welsh said in a statement. “We’re committed to maintaining the momentum of our athletics programs and selecting the next director of athletics is a critical part of that effort. I’m grateful to the committee members for volunteering their time for this important task and am confident that, with the help of the search firm, the committee will identify candidates who align with our core values and who are dedicated to the continued success of our student-athletes and outstanding athletic programs.”
Per Miller, the committee includes baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle, women’s basketball coach Joni Taylor, Welsh’s chief of staff Susan Ballabina, deputy athletic director Joe Fields, faculty athletic representative and professor Paul Batista and respective former chairs of the 12th Man Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Chris Cooper & David Dunlap.
“I want a great leader, man,” Schlossnagle told The Eagle. “The best athletic director I ever worked for (had a) philosophy (that was), ‘My job is to support the head coaches. No. 1, my job is to support the head coaches and the student-athletes. My job is to give the head coaches every resource they need to be successful and then hold them accountable and have a relationship with them.'”
According to Miller, Schlossnage volunteered for the role and has already received feedback from foot
ball coach Mike Elko, men’s basketball coach Buzz Williams, women’s golf coach Garrod Chadwell and women’s soccer coach G Guerrieri.
“It’s an honor to serve Texas A&M in any way that I can, and I’m filled with pride by the opportunity to lead this search committee,” Dunlap stated. “President Welsh has pulled together an incredible group of individuals who will recommend dynamic, highly qualified prospects who will serve our university, coaches and student-athletes with integrity, respect and a relentless drive for excellence. I’m eager to get to work.”
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