It’s hard to find someone who has done more to help advance college athletics than Terry Gawlik. Terry brought a track record of leadership and integrity in the field of intercollegiate sports when she came on board as our new athletic director Sept. 1. In 25 years at Wisconsin, Terry oversaw multiple athletic budgets as well as Title IX policy and procedure compliance while leading in the NCAA as chair of many of its standing committees. In addition to her commitment to success on the field, Terry is just as dedicated to the student-athlete. The coaches and staff members in Vandal Athletics are educators from her vantage point, ensuring the development of young people as they prepare for competition – and for lives beyond the field of play. Terry brings an optimistic vision to Vandal Athletics that I think is important to share with you all. Scott Green: You started here at U of I Sept. 1. What are your impressions so far? Terry Gawlik: The people on this campus, in the city of Moscow, and the athletic department staff, coaches and student-athletes are great, passionate people. That impression has also extended across the state as I have traveled to several cities and areas to meet various Vandal grads and supporters. The pride and traditions are abundantly clear – I am so privileged and excited to be a Vandal. SG: A month into the 2019-20 athletic seasons, what challenges do we face and what are the opportunities on which we can capitalize? TG: We face many of the same challenges as our peers around the country: time management, budget constraints, student-athlete welfare, compliance monitoring, injuries, I could go on and on. We are fortunate to have dedicated, caring, professional coaches and staff members to tackle these challenges. Our priorities are to develop student-athletes to be successful in the classroom and on the field, court, pitch, pool and course. We are all educators at this institution and pride ourselves on mentoring and developing young people as they prepare for their lives beyond this campus. SG: You are leading our Sustainable Athletics Model working group, one of several new working groups here at U of I aimed at examining issues and offering recommendations. What is your primary focus with the working group? TG: My primary focus will be to explore solutions and educate the working group on the athletics model. There is so much we can accomplish on this campus by continuing to improve the working relationship between academics, administration and athletics. I am excited to identify those untapped partnerships that will benefit all parties. SG: We see the success of our student-athletes in competition but it’s important to note they are also studying toward degrees in their respective majors. What should we know about the student side of our student-athletes? TG: Vandal student-athletes have routinely been among the highest achieving students on our campus, earning a department GPA of 3.0 or better each of the past 11 semesters. Our athletes are philanthropic leaders on our campus as they volunteered over 800 hours of community service the last academic year. Our Men’s Basketball program participated in the “Readers as Leaders” program, inspiring over 2,500 elementary school children. Our student-athletes understand and appreciate the fabulous opportunity they have here to earn a degree, become civic leaders, compete at the Division I level, and make lasting friendships and memories. I intend to help them reach their highest potential by connecting our student-athletes with resources, including our alumni and community. SG: What one thing should Vandal alumni know about our Athletics Program as you start your tenure? How can they support these student-athletes and the overall program? TG: Be energetic. Keep showing your Vandal spirit and, of course, come out to as many events as you can. I too join your vision of “Every Vandal, Every Year” – the act of encouraging the Vandal Family to provide their time, talents or treasure at least once a year to our institution. Go Vandals! SG: Thank you, Terry. And thank you for joining the Vandal Family. We indeed have a Brave and Bold future ahead. | | Go Vandals! C. Scott Green President | | Terry Gawlik Athletic Director | | | | from U of I | | | Ribbon Cut on Collaborative New DeArmond College and University Center U of I President Scott Green, North Idaho College President Rick MacLennan, Lewis-Clark State College President Cynthia Pemberton and board trustees cut the ribbon earlier this month on the new DeArmond College and University Center at NIC in Coeur d'Alene. This new building is a place to explore more than 70 degrees - from certificates through doctorates - through a collaboration among U of I, NIC, LCSC, Idaho State University and Boise State University. Read more > | | | Caisley Plays Produced Internationally This Fall Two plays written by Robert Caisley, chair of the Department of Theatre Arts, will be produced internationally this fall – "Happy" and "Lucky Me." Read more > | | Designs Aim to Reduce Youth Recidivism Rate Choosing a concept for her senior project, student Emma Poe focused on theories of rehabilitation over confinement. Read more > | | | Spotlight on Students | | Engineering Doctoral Student Earns Graduate Teaching Fellowship: Paulo Yu, a second-year doctoral student studying mechanical engineering, has been awarded an American Society of Mechanical Engineers Graduate Teaching Fellowship. The fellowship awards $5,000 for a maximum of two years and covers the cost of books, supplies and equipment for Yu's doctoral program. Student Delves into Climate Change Effects on Pikas in Alaska: Tara Kriz spent the long Alaskan summer days traversing rockslides in search of the elusive pika, a relative of the rabbit with round mouse-shaped ears. | | | | |