Jimmy G. Cheek
Tuesday, October 24th, 2017
Jimmy G. Cheek
Chancellor Emeritus, Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Dave Hart has served as a “student-athlete focused”, successful and innovative athletics administrator and leader at four major Universities: East Carolina University, Florida State University, University of Alabama and the University of Tennessee. At Tennessee, he dramatically improved the financial situation of the athletics department while producing a significant reserve fund. He launched a Campaign for Comprehensive Excellence that raised over $160 million in three years, exceeding the targeted goal. He hired good coaches, significantly improved compliance, and emphasized, “walking where the student athletes walk”. Under his leadership, academic performance of student athletes was markedly improved and ultimately reached all-time record levels. He negotiated a variety of significant contracts, which included the Battle at Bristol which drew over 157,000 fans. He planned and spearheaded notable enhancements to athletics facilities such as: the Doug Dickey Hall of Champions, the Ray and Lucy Hand Digital Studio, the Hall of Fame Plaza and led the efforts to create the Pat Summit Plaza which was dedicated while Pat was still alive. Virtually every sport experienced dramatic improvements to their facilities during his tenure. In addition, a comprehensive plan to renovate Neyland Stadium was developed, approved by the Board of Trustee and is now being implemented. Dave hired “Difference Makers” in athletics in numerous areas and led the University off of a 6 year NCAA probation period which stemmed from issues in football and basketball prior to his tenure. During his tenure, the athletics department excelled in several important areas. I highly recommend him as an Executive Coach and Advisor to Chancellors, Presidents, Athletic Directors, Board of Trustees, and others. He has a wealth of expertise in both the athletic arena as well as knowledge about campus environments, culture and the academic enterprise. He has the knowledge, experience and insight to help leaders successfully navigate difficult situations and produce positive results.
Chancellor Emeritus, Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Dave Hart has served as a “student-athlete focused”, successful and innovative athletics administrator and leader at four major Universities: East Carolina University, Florida State University, University of Alabama and the University of Tennessee. At Tennessee, he dramatically improved the financial situation of the athletics department while producing a significant reserve fund. He launched a Campaign for Comprehensive Excellence that raised over $160 million in three years, exceeding the targeted goal. He hired good coaches, significantly improved compliance, and emphasized, “walking where the student athletes walk”. Under his leadership, academic performance of student athletes was markedly improved and ultimately reached all-time record levels. He negotiated a variety of significant contracts, which included the Battle at Bristol which drew over 157,000 fans. He planned and spearheaded notable enhancements to athletics facilities such as: the Doug Dickey Hall of Champions, the Ray and Lucy Hand Digital Studio, the Hall of Fame Plaza and led the efforts to create the Pat Summit Plaza which was dedicated while Pat was still alive. Virtually every sport experienced dramatic improvements to their facilities during his tenure. In addition, a comprehensive plan to renovate Neyland Stadium was developed, approved by the Board of Trustee and is now being implemented. Dave hired “Difference Makers” in athletics in numerous areas and led the University off of a 6 year NCAA probation period which stemmed from issues in football and basketball prior to his tenure. During his tenure, the athletics department excelled in several important areas. I highly recommend him as an Executive Coach and Advisor to Chancellors, Presidents, Athletic Directors, Board of Trustees, and others. He has a wealth of expertise in both the athletic arena as well as knowledge about campus environments, culture and the academic enterprise. He has the knowledge, experience and insight to help leaders successfully navigate difficult situations and produce positive results.
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