Washington State president takes firm stance on NCAA president candidacy
The first question to come up after Mark Emmert announced his resignation as NCAA president was who would replace him. Well, one person pulled himself out of the running.
Washington State president Kirk Schulz released a statement Wednesday withdrawing his name from consideration. His name also came up to potentially replace Bob Bowlsby after he resigned as Big 12 commissioner, but he reaffirmed his commitment to his work at Washington State in the position he has held since 2016.
“I remain fully committed to my position as system president at Washington State University,” Schulz wrote. “I am not interested in being considered as the next NCAA president. My support will continue to be with Mark Emmert as he finishes his time with the NCAA and I look forward to working with his eventual successor.”
The NCAA announced Emmert’s resignation Tuesday, effective June 2023. Plenty of names came up alongside Schulz’s, including Baylor president Linda Livingstone, Clemson president Jim Clements, former Robert Morris president Chris Howard and former West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck.
NCAA announces president Mark Emmert will step down
NCAA Board of Governors Chair John J. DeGioia announced after a mutual agreement with the board that NCAA president Mark Emmert will be stepping down, effective June 2023. Emmert will continue in the role until a new one is elected or until June 30, 2023, if a replacement has not been found by then.
Releasing a statement on the decision, Emmert laid out some of the things he has done well as president, saying he has focused on the experience of the student-athletes. He is proud of everything the NCAA has accomplished over the past 12 years as well.
“Throughout my tenure I’ve emphasized the need to focus on the experience and priorities of student-athletes,” Emmert said. “I am extremely proud of the work of the Association over the last 12 years and especially pleased with the hard work and dedication of the national office staff here in Indianapolis.”
DeGioia released his own statement, explaining the decision for Emmert to step down when he is. The NCAA Board of Governors Chair said it gives them plenty of time to find their next president without there being any disruption in leadership.
“With the significant transitions underway within college sports, the timing of this decision provides the Association with consistent leadership during the coming months plus the opportunity to consider what will be the future role of the president,” said DeGioia. “It also allows for the selection and recruitment of the next president without disruption.”