Xavier University Athletics
Dawn Rogers Stepping Down as Athletic Director
05.15.06 | General
May 15, 2006
CINCINNATI - Dawn Rogers announced today that she is stepping down as Athletic Director effective May 31, 2006 to pursue other professional opportunities.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Athletic Director the past two years at Xavier University. I have a tremendous respect for the coaches, student-athletes, alumni and boosters I work with everyday," said Rogers. "I am proud of the accomplishments of this department and know that the decisions made the past two years and during my entire tenure at Xavier University leave a firm foundation of success for Xavier student-athletes in the classroom, in competition and in life."
Rogers went on to say, "The growth of our student-athletes has always been the motivating factor for me during my 20 years in intercollegiate athletics. While intercollegiate athletics remains my passion, my young family is my greatest joy and accomplishment and the professional opportunities I am pursuing now will allow me to serve both."
"I would like to express my gratitude to Dawn for the contributions she has made to our athletic program," said Michael Graham, S.J., president of Xavier University, who appointed Rogers to the position. "On behalf of the entire Xavier community, I wish Dawn much happiness and success in her future endeavors."
In her two years as Athletic Director, Rogers hired new head men's basketball coach Sean Miller, elevated the men's and women's soccer head and assistant coaching positions to full time and hired new staffs, added men's and women's indoor and outdoor track, added a full-time position to the athletic academic advising staff, and hired a new baseball coach. Rogers enhanced technology in the department with the launch of a new state of the art website and also implemented a new ticketing software system significantly upgrading services to basketball season tickets holders as well as all ticketed events at The Cintas Center.
Rogers came to Xavier in 1998 as associate director of athletics, overseeing seven of Xavier's athletic programs. As both associate director and director of athletics, Rogers was very involved with the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) and the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program, two programs that promote academic and life success among student athletes. Xavier ranks second in the nation in overall student-athlete graduation rates with a five-year rate of 78 percent.
Upon Rogers' departure, members of the athletic department will report to John Kucia, administrative vice president overseeing athletics. Kucia will spend time this week with the staff to determine the best way to move forward in regard to appointing a replacement for Rogers.
