The College brought nearly three weeks of uncertainty following Charles Harris' controversial resignation to a close yesterday, when Dartmouth announced the appointment of current Senior Associate Director of Athletics JoAnn "Josie" Harper to the position of Director of Athletics and Recreation.
Due to the flap surrounding Harris' departure in early June (because of revelations that he had lied on a resume while applying for a past job), Dean of the College James Larimore said he "very briefly" considered closing the search for a new athletic director and restarting efforts next year.
After deciding to move ahead with the appointment, Larimore and the search committee returned to examinations of a pool of five final candidates from which Harris had been accepted. While Larimore noted that he spoke to many more individuals, including College alumni, about who to hire, he did not re-interview any candidates outside of the original five finalists.
At a press conference yesterday, Larimore praised Harper, a 21-year veteran of Dartmouth athletics, as "a champion of the Ivy League ideal of excellence in athletic and academic pursuits."
President James Wright offered similar sentiments.
"[Harper] is a person who has distinguished herself as a coach and as a competitor, one who truly understands the rich traditions of Dartmouth athletics and the contributions of the men and women who participate in its programs," he said in a press release.
Harper's appointment comes as a milestone in women's athletics -- she is not only the first female athletic director in Dartmouth history, but in the whole of the Ivy League.
Moreover, her promotion arrives in a year marking the 30-year anniversary of Title XI (federal legislation guaranteeing equality for collegiate women's sports).
While she noted that, "Historically, it's very exciting to be standing here in this position," Harper downplayed the significance of this accomplishment, describing it as "just kind of a bonus" secondary to the experience of working in Dartmouth athletics.
Responding to the question of how she might deal with any potential lingering bad feelings in the athletic department in the wake of the Harris incident, Harper emphasized the need to look forward.
"You use it in a positive way, and don't dwell on situations that weren't as comfortable," she said.
In discussing her upcoming short and long term goals, Harper expressed hopes to acquire new facilities and resources for Dartmouth's programs and work effectively in recruiting efforts with Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Karl tor, Harper's responsibilities will include the supervision of Dartmouth's 34 intercollegiate teams, 17 club sports, and extensive intramural and physical education programs.
Harper will formally take over the reigns from retiring Athletic Director Richard Jaeger on July 1.