Topics: Administrative, Athletics
April 16, 2012
Bill Scholl, Ball State~~~s new athletic director
Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora today announced her appointment of Bill Scholl as director of intercollegiate athletics. Scholl brings to Ball State more than two decades of athletics administration experience at the University of Notre Dame. As deputy athletic director, he has been responsible for supervision of sports such as football, men's basketball, baseball and men's soccer. He is responsible for senior-level administration such as fundraising and donor relations, divisional budget construction and growing external revenue.
"I'm so pleased to introduce Bill to the Ball State community," Gora said. "Our student-athletes, fans and donors immediately will find him to be warm and personable. He is a seasoned leader and skilled communicator with a long track record of increasing responsibility and success. Bill has played a major role in developing Notre Dame athletics into a well-rounded athletics department where most of the university's sports enjoy success at the national level. He understands both the opportunities and challenges that come with managing a large and complex athletics program with a national profile."
An example of Scholl's major accomplishments at Notre Dame is working side-by-side with baseball head coach Paul Mainieri to grow the program into a destination for baseball talent in the northern U.S. The team earned its first trip to the College World Series in 2002 — the first time in 45 years — and won nine conference titles. Mainieri is now head coach at national powerhouse Louisiana State University.
One of Scholl's first assignments was raising the visibility and stature of the women's basketball program. In 1989, the team suffered from a limited fan base. Today, the team routinely ranks in the top 10 in the NCAA for attendance. The team rose to the final game of the NCAA tournament this year, falling only to undefeated Baylor. Scholl also led an $84 million athletics fundraising initiative for the Spirit of Notre Dame campaign. With coaches, he has managed issues of compliance, budgets, scheduling, media strategy and recruitment.
"I am excited about becoming a Cardinal," said Scholl. "I understand and appreciate the confidence Dr. Gora has placed in me. I share an ambitious vision with our student-athletes, fans and donors. Our programs will be competitive at the national level, and our student-athletes will succeed in competition and in the classroom. I pledge no less than my very best effort to ensure their success. It has been my honor and privilege to serve Notre Dame over 23 years. That experience has prepared me to lead Ball State athletics to even greater success, and I look forward to the opportunity with great anticipation."
Gora thanked the search committee members for their commitment and thoroughness as well as their thoughtful deliberations. With their help, the search attracted more than 90 candidates and concluded more than two months ahead of the university's initial deadline of July 1.
"I was very impressed with the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of the search committee," said the Honorable Marianne Vorhees, Delaware County Circuit Court judge. "Each applicant received full consideration on the many aspects of success required of a complex and demanding position. The community will find Bill an unassuming yet confident and expert leader. He will be great not only for Ball State but for our community." Vorhees is a Ball State alumna and played on the women's softball team as a student-athlete.
"Bill is a great fit for Ball State," said Frank Hancock, vice president of the Board of Trustees. "I spend most of my waking hours in the world of professional and collegiate sports. I'm confident that Bill brings Ball State the expertise and experience that will put him at the top of his profession. We will benefit greatly from his leadership."
Bill and his wife, Julie Scholl, have three children, Michael, Stefanie and Kelly. Stefanie is a Ball State senior and will graduate in May. Michael is a Notre Dame alumnus and works in the athletics department of Vanderbilt University, and Kelly is a sophomore at Notre Dame. Scholl will start at Ball State University on April 30, 2012.
Search Committee
Jo Ann Gora, President, committee chair
Charlene Alexander, associate professor of counseling psychology
Kay Bales, vice president for student affairs
Ken Briner, longtime supporter of Ball State athletics
Sali Falling, executive director of university compliance
Frank Hancock, vice president, Board of Trustees
James Ruebel, dean of the Honors College and faculty athletics representative
Marianne Vorhees, past president of the Cardinal Varsity Club and former Ball State athlete