Loh will advise AD search committee

Incoming university President Wallace Loh said Wednesday he will help oversee the Athletics Department's search for a new athletics director, even though he won't officially take over his new post for several months.

"One has to move very quickly," said Loh, who assumes his official responsibilities Nov. 1. "One can't say, ‘Well, we'll wait until the new president arrives.' So if they do have finalists before I come, I will certainly want to meet with them and offer my input to the interim president, because I do not have formal authority."

When asked about the importance of athletics to the university, Loh likened a school's athletics department to a house's front porch — an important veneer of the university whose upkeep and appearance is critical.

"What happens on that front porch has a big impact on what happens with the rest of the academic house, and vice versa," Loh said. "I guess what I'm saying is you have to view it as a totality."

After former Athletics Director Debbie Yow stepped down from her post to take the same one at N.C. State in late June, the university formed a search committee chaired by Vice President for Student Affairs Linda Clement and comprising Terp luminaries such as men's basketball coach Gary Williams and Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank.

Randy Eaton, the Athletics Department's chief financial officer, has served as interim athletics director since Yow's departure and is also being considered for the permanent job.

While no timetable has been set for a decision, Loh told the Baltimore Business Journal on Tuesday he thought it was "very important that the key position be filled as soon as possible."

A handful of Terp coaches attended Loh's introductory press conference and seemed optimistic about his appointment.

"Everyone's really excited," women's basketball coach Brenda Frese said. "It's an exciting hire."

In addition to his academic and fundraising responsibilities, Loh could also have a say in the future of football coach Ralph Friedgen, whose job security is uncertain after a 2-10 season last year.

"[Loh] understands the importance of athletics," men's soccer coach Sasho Cirovski said. "He has a lot of respect for it."

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