University of Tennessee Athletics
Hamilton Attends First Fall Athletics Board Meeting as Vols' AD
Nov. 1, 2003
The fall 2003 meeting of the Athletics Board marked the beginning of an era in Tennessee athletics as Mike Hamilton attended his first meeting as Athletic Director.
"I appreciate the confidence this institution expressed in hiring me," Hamilton said. "It is an exciting time on campus, and I am happy to be a part of it. We want to continue to represent the university, community and state at the highest possible level."
The Athletic Department will be undergoing the NCAA Recertification process in Hamilton's first year. Dr. Gregory Reed, professor and department head of Civil and Environmental Engineering, will oversee the recertification process. Reed said the NCAA has a set of standards and criteria that universities must meet. The purpose of the committee he is heading is to show proof that Tennessee meets those standards and criteria. Recertification is a year-long process which will officially begin in January.
Fiscal responsibility is still a strong aspect of the Athletic Department. Revenues for the 2003 fiscal year were nearly $65.3 million with expenditures at $65.6 million. The difference was recouped from Athletic Department reserves. The difference in revenues and expenditures can be traced to increased tuition costs, performance bonuses for coaches, and the settlement of a lawsuit.
The men's Athletic Department had revenues of $59.3 million in 2003 and expenditures of $53.1 million. The women's Athletic Department had revenues of nearly $6 million with expenditures of $12.5 million. The difference is made up with support from men's athletics. Projected budget for fiscal year 2004 for both men's and women's athletics is $63.1 million.
The Athletic Department continues to be a strong supporter of the academic community as well. The Athletic Department funds scholarships, the band, campus parking improvements and other projects at the University.
A joint venture between athletics and academics is set to begin as well. The construction of a golf practice facility will begin on the Agriculture Campus on the south side of the Tennessee River in the spring. The facility will not only provide an intercollegiate golf practice site but will also serve as an University teaching facility. It will be a key component in the Turf Grass Management Program within the College of Agriculture and will also be available for use for golf classes offered by the University.
The fund-raising for the golf practice facility was part of the Step-Up campaign which was geared toward raising money for facilities. The campaign has surpassed its goal of $44.25 million. Results of the campaign will soon be seen around campus as ground-breaking on the Aquatic Center is expected to be this spring. Other projects included in this phase include the construction of women's softball and soccer facilities.
"I want us to be a model program in college athletics," Hamilton said. "We can't be satisfied in what we are but look forward to what we can become."
