UCLA associate AD Betsy Stephenson was surprised -- and pleased -- to learn yesterday that her name has been mentioned in connection with the opening for Hawaii athletic director.
being mentioned as
possibility for UH
Betsy Stephenson has not been
contacted by Hawaii, but said it would
be 'worth talking' aboutBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com"Really? I'm flattered," the UCLA associate athletic director said. "I haven't been contacted (by UH), but I think it'd certainly be worth talking to someone about.
"I know the University of Hawaii is a great program with a great tradition. I've competed against their program, and have great respect for what is done there."
Stephenson's name came up when UH president Evan Dobelle asked a UCLA alumnus about Stephenson at last week's men's volleyball national championships.
Stephenson, 41, was a recent candidate for UCLA athletic director when Peter Dalis stepped down after 19 years. But UC Irvine athletic director Dan Guerrero, a former Bruin baseball player, got the job on April 26.
Dobelle said he wants to replace the retiring Hugh Yoshida by the end of July. Yoshida, who said he will remain to help with the transition, will leave no later than the end of the calendar year, when his contract expires.
UH spokesman Paul Costello said yesterday the search advisory committee of which he is a member is close to choosing a firm to place advertisements and help it find applicants.
"We'll probably have it done Monday," Costello said.
UH associate athletic director Jim Donovan and former Rainbows football coach Bob Wagner have publicly expressed their interest in the position.
Other potential but unannounced candidates with Hawaii ties include former UH and Arizona football coach Dick Tomey, former UH administrator Rockne Freitas, former UH player, assistant coach and broadcaster Rick Blangiardi, and Western Athletic Conference commissioner Karl Benson. Also, UC Riverside athletic director Stan Morrison has received support from UH men's volleyball coach Mike Wilton.
Stephenson, who is also UCLA's senior women's administrator, has an extensive background in college sports administration. She has served at her current post since 1996, with responsibilities including overseeing recruiting, academic services and student services.
Stephenson held the same position with similar responsibilities at Kansas from 1992-96.
Since January 2000 she has been a member of the NCAA management council, an advisory group to the NCAA board of directors. Stephenson is also a member of the Sears Director's Cup committee.
Prior to UCLA and Kansas, Stephenson worked for the NCAA. She was director of Division I men's basketball operations.
She has a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Kansas, where she was a member of the volleyball team.
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