NIU AD Cary Groth accepts
top job at University of Nevada

by Melanie Magara

NIU Athletic Director Cary Groth, one of the first female athletic directors in Division I college sports, has accepted a new position at the University of Nevada at Reno.

Groth begins her new job in about four weeks, ending a 23-year NIU career that started with an assistant tennis coach position and grew into the top ranks of athletic administration.

“It is with very mixed emotions that I must announce Cary’s departure,” said NIU President John Peters in a statement issued this morning. “While we had been hopeful about our ability to keep her at NIU, we also recognize the appeal of a new challenge for an administrator whose accomplishments are well known throughout our athletic conference and around the country.”

Groth was named NIU athletic director in August of 1994, and quickly began building a program that would provide what she termed “sustainable success.” Her plan included integrating athletics more closely into the life of the larger university, improving student athlete success in the classroom, hiring top-notch coaches and staff and, in her words, “starting at the ground floor and building things the right way.”

“When people ask me what I’m proudest of, I have to say the improvements in graduation rates and the growing recognition on campus of what a successful athletic program can bring to the institution,” Groth said.

Those efforts have not gone unnoticed, Peters said.

“Under Cary’s leadership, NIU’s athletic program has become a model of integrity and achievement, with a fine balance between competition on the field and academic success,” Peters said. “On a personal level, Cary has earned a reputation as a thoughtful and well-spoken leader in the national dialogue on Title IX and numerous other issues of the day. She leaves a well-respected and well-positioned athletic program, built the right way – with patience, loyalty and integrity.”

Groth has presided over NIU athletics at a time of tremendous growth, change and challenge. She led the program through one of the NCAA’s first accreditation processes; campaigned tirelessly for new facilities and oversaw the opening of a 10,000-seat Convocation Center in which men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and wrestling teams compete; reshaped and reinvigorated Huskie booster clubs; and integrated the student support services function into Intercollegiate Athletics.

A passionate advocate for sports at all levels, Groth has served on countless panels and task force groups, including a stint on the national Title IX “Commission on Opportunity in Athletics” – a group appointed by U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige. While her work on that blue-ribbon panel garnered headlines, colleagues say Groth brings the same level of interest and dedication to other, less-noticeable endeavors.

“Cary is just incredibly generous with her time,” said Mid-American Conference Commissioner Rick Chryst. “Whether she’s working on a national level in high-profile committees, or locally in obscure, sport-specific work groups, Cary gives each assignment the full measure of her attention. Those demonstrations of personal integrity have served her well among her fellow athletic directors, coaches and administrators, and will continue to serve her well at Nevada.”

“Cary is a builder,” said Anne Kaplan, vice president for administration and outreach. “She understands that the best programs have firm foundations, and she doesn’t shy away from doing what’s necessary to create that bedrock of support.”

Chryst agrees.

“NIU’s athletic program is clearly at a point of real, sustainable growth, and that’s a credit to everyone who’s invested in it and to the central role played by Cary Groth,” Chryst said. “All of the foundational aspects are there for NIU to continue its competitive success, beginning with very good coaches in all sports and a great administrative team.”

Groth admits it’s difficult for her to leave her alma mater, but said she thinks the time is right for a new challenge.

“Nevada has a strong commitment to moving that program forward, and the leadership there is committed to building things the right way, from the ground up,” she said. “They’ve made some great investments in facilities in recent years, and they seem very dedicated to providing student athletes with the best possible opportunities.”

What challenges await Groth’s successor?

“I would hope NIU’s next AD will continue to work on integrating athletics into the life of the university, and reminding everyone that student athletes are students first, and should be treated as such. Athletics can build leaders, instill a sense of pride and provide a wonderful, collegiate atmosphere that attracts supporters – I hope we keep building on those strengths in the years ahead,” Groth said.

“I also hope NIU keeps up the momentum in terms of working on athletic facilities,” she added. “I’m proud of what we accomplished during my time here, but I wish we could have done more and think that NIU will have to do more to provide the kind of facilities – like indoor practice areas, and track facilities – that our Division I status really calls for.”

Peters said he will name an interim AD in the next few weeks, and then will launch a national search for Groth’s replacement.

“I think NIU’s reputation will attract some very qualified candidates,” Peters said. “In the meantime, I know I speak for the entire campus community when I say that our heartfelt best wishes go with Cary Groth to her new position. She authored an important chapter in Huskie athletic history, and we are indebted to her for nearly a quarter century of loyal, creative and inspired service.”

3-9-04