Gary Gallup, a veteran of 34 years in intercollegiate athletic administration, including NCAA Division I and Division II institutions, has been appointed as the new Director of Athletics and Recreation at Avila University, it was announced today by Ned Harris, vice president of enrollment and student development.
"I met some great people during my on-campus interview, and I am excited about the opportunity to lead Avila athletics and recreation at a time when the University is making a commitment to strengthen support for its athletic and recreation programs," said Gallup. "I look forward to working with students, coaches, faculty and other staff to improve the experience of students and the profile of Avila athletics in the community."
Gallup succeeds Anthony Hall, who left Avila after two years as athletic director and six years as head men's basketball coach to become associate athletic director at Fontbonne University in St. Louis.
Gallup comes to Avila from Kentucky Wesleyan, a college of about 800 students in Owensboro, Ky. There, he was responsible for total leadership, administration, budget preparation and management of a 13-sport athletic program that competes in NCAA Division II. He operated the athletic department within budget while generating about $500,000 annually in external funding to supplement athletic budgets. He also stressed education as well as developing and implementing an educational support system that resulted in eight of Kentucky Wesleyan's 13 sports programs maintaining team GPAs above 3.0.
"We are excited to have someone of Gary's stature in athletic administration taking the lead with Avila athletics and recreation," said Harris. "Gary brings outstanding experience in developing student-athletes within the context of athletic programs that have been successful and well managed."
Gallup's three-plus decades of experience in intercollegiate athletics have taken him across the country and through a wide variety of levels. Prior to leading Kentucky Wesleyan's athletic department, he served as associate athletics director at Nicholls State University and at the University of New Orleans, having served earlier as director of athletics at the University of Texas-Pan American, Lamar University and Southern Utah State College. Gallup also worked in media relations and athletic promotions at the beginning of his career, including stints at universities, with television and in radio.
