Southern Illinois University athletic director Paul Kowalczyk was named Colorado State’s new AD today at a press conference this afternoon.
Kowalczyk will officially start May 17. He agreed to a five-year incentive-laden contract at $225,000 a year.
“I look forward to enhancing the existing spririt of excellence at Colorado State University and will work diligently to provide the necessary leadership, stability and support,” Kowalczyk said.
He was introduced by CSU president Larry Penley.
“I have great confidence that Paul will accomplish at Colorado State University what he accomplished at Southern Illinois,” Penley said. “Raise money for programs and facilities, generate greater interest in athletics and enhance ticket sales, hire outstanding coaches and operate with integrity and professionalism.”
The CSU staff, except for volleyball coach Tom Hilbert, who served on the search committee, did not learn the new AD’s identity until a meeting this morning. Kowalczyk told his staff in Carbondale, Ill. Monday of his move.
The 47-year-old Ohio native took over at the Missouri Valley Conference basketball power in the summer of 2000 after nine years in the Northwestern administration. Prior stops include Kansas State, Portland State, and his alma mater, Kent State.
During his SIU tenure, the Salukis have reached the men’s NCAA basketball tournament five consecutive years including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2002.
Southern Illinois University has won three consecutive Division I-AA Gateway Football Conference titles.
Kowalczyk solved an $800,000 departmental deficit at SIU and started a scholarship fund, which raises $500,000 annually. CSU’s spring fundraising goal is $1.85 million.
With the exception of losing a partial scholarship in track and field, SIU athletes scored well on recent NCAA academic progress report.
Men’s basketball and football ranked in the top 30 percent nationally and women’s basketball in the top 40 percent.
Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303 820-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
