Ron Guenther retires after 19 years as Illinois' Athletics Director
May 16, 2011 11:10 AM
University of Illinois Director of Athletics Ron Guenther announced today his retirement upon the completion of his contract on June 30. The longest-tenured athletics director in the Big Ten, Guenther leaves the position after 19 highly successful years in which Fighting Illini teams captured 34 Big Ten Championships, made a men's basketball Final Four appearance and made six football bowl appearances. He also made an impression nationally as a member of the BCS Football Committee since its inception, as a member of the Bowl Certification Committee for seven years and as a member of the NCAA Championships Cabinet.
"After giving considerable thought I have made the decision not to extend my contract as Athletic Director and will retire on July 1, 2011," Guenther said. "For the last several months, I have been working with Chancellor Easter and administration on a succession plan for my position. A search committee is being formed and will begin work immediately to find my successor. I am confident an outstanding leader can be in place by mid-to-late summer.
"The last 19 years have gone extremely fast and a decision to retire has been very difficult. I personally want to thank all the members of the DIA as well as our colleagues in the academic community for their support. I have been fortunate to work with an extremely talented and loyal group. I will always be indebted. Additionally, the Illinois fan base is the best in the nation. I've always said we are fortunate to have individuals who have great passion and loyalty for the University of Illinois."
fightingillini.com
"After giving considerable thought I have made the decision not to extend my contract as Athletic Director and will retire on July 1, 2011," Guenther said. "For the last several months, I have been working with Chancellor Easter and administration on a succession plan for my position. A search committee is being formed and will begin work immediately to find my successor. I am confident an outstanding leader can be in place by mid-to-late summer.
"The last 19 years have gone extremely fast and a decision to retire has been very difficult. I personally want to thank all the members of the DIA as well as our colleagues in the academic community for their support. I have been fortunate to work with an extremely talented and loyal group. I will always be indebted. Additionally, the Illinois fan base is the best in the nation. I've always said we are fortunate to have individuals who have great passion and loyalty for the University of Illinois."
fightingillini.com
Filed under: Illini Basketball, Illini Football
