Aug. 14, 2001
Chicago, Ill. - University of Illinois at Chicago Athletic Director Jim Schmidt has elevated four of his assistant athletic directors, Susan Kovacs, Tonya McGowan, Dane Whiteside and Dennis Wills, to associate athletic directors he announced today.
"These individuals have been extremely dedicated to UIC and have contributed heavily in improving our programs," Schmidt said. "Eighteen conference championships in the last four years have been because of their hard work and dedication to our strategic plan as well as their close assistance to our excellent coaching staff."
Kovacs, who joined the UIC Athletic Department in the fall of 1998, assumes the title of Associate Athletic Director for Operations. In her role, Kovacs oversees the budget and planning process development while supervising the training room, equipment room and strength and conditioning operations. She also serves as the sport program liaison for men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track & field, women's gymnastics and softball.
McGowan, a former four-year letterwinner for the UIC women's basketball team and a member of the UIC Athletic Hall of Fame, takes on the title of Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator. In her position, McGowan works with UIC's student-athletes on a variety of issues including, athletic and financial aid, housing and letters of intent. McGowan, who joined the department in 1995, also coordinates NCAA documentation, serves as UIC's Liaison to the Horizon League and works with the women's basketball booster club, The Ignitors. McGowan also serves as the sport program liaison for the Flames' men's and women's swimming & diving, men's gymnastics, soccer, men's and women's tennis and women's basketball programs.
A former two-year letterwinner for the Flames' baseball program, Whiteside assumes the title of Associate Athletic Director for Development. His day-to-day duties include corporate sponsorship and golf outing solicitation, radio/television sales and signage, tournament sponsors and revenue generation through special events. Whiteside, who joined the athletic department in 1985, serves as the department's liaison for ticket operations, special events, promotions, alumni/booster organizations and the UIC Athletic Hall of Fame.
UIC's Associate Athletic Director of Academic Support Services, Wills moved into an administrative position in 1996 after serving nine seasons as an assistant basketball coach at UIC. Wills directs the Flames' academic services, while also serving as eligibility coordinator, life skills director and liaison for UIC's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. In addition to overseeing the Athletic Alumni Booster Club, Wills also serves as the sport program liaison for baseball, men's basketball and volleyball.
