BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M University, announced Thursday that a seven-member committee has been created to conduct a national search for the next director of athletics.
 
The committee, which includes representation from faculty, staff and university administrators, as well as former students, has been charged with recommending finalists to the president. Turnkey, a leading executive search firm in the sports and entertainment industries, will assist the university in the initial recruitment and screening process.
 
"Texas A&M is a world-class university with a strong commitment to athletics excellence and the greatest fans in the world," Welsh said. "We're committed to maintaining the momentum of our athletics programs and selecting the next director of athletics is a critical part of that effort. I'm grateful to the committee members for volunteering their time for this important task and am confident that, with the help of the search firm, the committee will identify candidates who align with our core values and who are dedicated to the continued success of our student-athletes and outstanding athletic programs."
 
David "Dave" Dunlap '83, former student and past chair of the 12^th Man Foundation Board of Trustees, will chair the search committee.
 
"It's an honor to serve Texas A&M in any way that I can, and I'm filled with pride by the opportunity to lead this search committee," Dunlap said. "President Welsh has pulled together an incredible group of individuals who will recommend dynamic, highly qualified prospects who will serve our university, coaches and student-athletes with integrity, respect and a relentless drive for excellence. I'm eager to get to work."
 
Reporting directly to the university president and as a member of the president's cabinet, the director of athletics is responsible for leadership and management of the intercollegiate athletic program consisting of 600 student-athletes across 20 varsity sports, 300-plus full-time staff and a $165 million-plus budget. The athletics director supervises a staff of athletic coaches, professional and support personnel, develops and manages operating budgets for the intercollegiate athletics program and participates in fundraising activities while safeguarding the well-being of student-athletes on and off the field. 
 
Last week, Ross Bjork announced that he would be leaving the university to assume the role of athletics director at The Ohio State University. Earlier this week, R.C. Slocum was named interim director of athletics at Texas A&M. 
 
Additional committee members include:

• Joe Fields, deputy athletics director for administration and student-athlete experience
• Jim Schlossnagle, baseball head coach
• Joni Taylor, women's basketball head coach
• Chris Cooper '89, former student and past chair of the 12^th Man Foundation Board of Trustees
• Paul Batista, J.D., associate professor of kinesiology and sport management, and faculty athletics representative
• Susan Ballabina, Ph.D., chief of staff, Office of the President 

The committee will begin its work immediately and hopes to identify the next great Aggie director of athletics within four to six weeks.