University of Minnesota Athletics
Joel Maturi Recommended As Athletics Director
7/10/2002 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
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University of Minnesota President Mark Yudof and Interim President Designate Robert Bruininks, welcomed Joel Maturi home today (Wednesday, July 10) and recommended him to the board of regents for the position of athletics director.
Maturi, who grew up in Chisholm, Minn., and is currently the director of athletics at Miami University in Ohio, signed a five-year contract with an annual salary of $275,000. The contract requires approval from the board of regents; the full board will act on the matter at its Friday, July 12, meeting.
"As someone who is returning to his home state, I find it comforting to know I am leaving the athletics department in such good hands," said Yudof.
"Everyone we have spoken to, from people who knew Joel in Chisholm and at the University of Wisconsin to the people who currently work with him at Miami University, says he is a winner. I'm delighted that we were able to attract a person of Joel's character and caliber. He will lead the department to a new level and will do so with integrity and fairness to all student athletes."
Maturi, 57, has been director of athletics at Miami University since 1998. He will resign from that position immediately and begin at the University of Minnesota Friday, Aug. 2.
"It feels wonderful to be coming home," said Maturi. "I've been a Gophers fan all my life. I watched the Gophers as a child, and in April I watched the men's hockey team win the NCAA championship. I look forward to combining my passion for the Gophers with my dedication to intercollegiate athletics to build one of the top programs in the country, athletically and academically."
Maturi said his first priorities include meeting with individual athletes, coaches and staff members of the newly merged athletics department, focusing on continuing the smooth transition to one department, and attending to the department's financial condition. "There are challenges," he said, "but there are also opportunities to be excited about."
Bruininks said Maturi's knowledge of Minnesota, experience and track record of success are what the athletics department, university and state need in an athletics director."Joel understands how to build a successful program, athletically as well as academically. He also understands what the Gophers mean to Minnesota," said Bruininks. "I am thrilled that our search led us to Joel. I look forward to working with him as a colleague throughout the next year, and reaping the fruits of his labor as the new director of athletics for years to come."
Maturi graduated in 1963 from Chisholm High School, where he played football and basketball. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1967 and a master of educational professional development from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1985. From 1968 to 1987 he worked at Edgewood High School in Madison, Wis., as a teacher, associate principal, dean of students, athletics director and coach. In 1987 he became assistant director of athletics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and later rose to an associate director of athletics. In 1996 he became the director of athletics at the University of Denver, where he worked until moving to Miami University.
He said that he has had a wonderful career and enjoyed all of the stops along the way, especially at Miami University. "I would like to thank Miami University President Dr. Garland, the coaches, staff and student athletes, and everyone there who have been so wonderfully supportive," said Maturi. "It was a great four-year experience, one that I will remember fondly."
Maturi and his wife, Lois, have three children: Mark, 26, Katie, 24, and Anne, 22. Although his children do not live in Minnesota, Maturi said the state is home for his family. "This is the last move for the Maturi family," he said. "I'm home."
