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New FAU Athletics Director Pat Chun talks to boosters at Monday's press conference. (Owl Access photo)

Chun in charge

FAU introduces Ohio State Senior Associate AD Pat Chun as its next athletics director at a press conference on Monday.

Originally published on 7/2/2012

BOCA RATON – Ohio State senior Associate Athletic Director Pat Chun didn't know too much about Florida Atlantic University when he began to pursue its open athletics director position.

FAU President Mary Jane Saunders didn't know very much about Chun until he showed interest in coming to FAU.

The more both of them did their research, the intrigue grew to the point where Chun eagerly accepted the job when it was offered to him.

Chun was introduced as FAU's next athletic director on Monday.

“Once you get to know the people, the president and the board and every one associated with this university – it's not a decision at that point ” said Chun, who climbed the ranks during his 14-year career at Ohio State from a s student assistant to the No. 2 man in one of the largest and most successful athletic departments in the nation. “It was just, 'I hope they want me' and I'm lucky they wanted me.”

Saunders is confident she found the right person to lead FAU's athletic department.

“He is a person of great accomplishment, energy and vision,” Saunders said. “We have great confidence in his ability to take our athletics program to the next level of excellence and are very glad that he is here.”

Saunders was impressed with Chun's fund-raising acumen. Chun increased giving at Ohio State nearly 20 percent, totalling $117.8 million in three years in his role as senior associate AD.

“He certainly has a proven track record,” Saunders said. “This was really an easy decision. Pat's background really matched up with the needs we have to move our great university ahead.”

Chun also was in charge of strategic planning management and leadership at Ohio State.

Several FAU coaches were in attendance at Chun's press conference.

“He's exactly what we need, when we need it,” said FAU basketball coach Mike Jarvis. “All the people I talked to told me that if we get this guy we are getting a gem. He's been at a place that knows what it takes to be excellent and he has the vision to get us there.”

Chun replaces Craig Angelos, who was fired in March. Chun was the final candidate after a national search, led by Saunders.

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What they are saying about Chun

“Pat’s service to our institution is immeasurable. His talents and skills will be missed in a significant way. I want to personally thank him for his service to our student athletes. I wish he and Natalie all the best. FAU is fortunate to have his leadership.”
- Gene Smith, The Ohio State University associate vice president/director of athletics

“I commend Florida Atlantic University’s hire of Pat Chun as its new director of athletics. In the seven months I have gotten to know Pat and see him work, he has proven to be a very pragmatic and thoughtful leader and administrator. FAU and the Boca Raton community are going to embrace this young man, who is a rising star in athletics administration.”
- Urban Meyer, head football coach at The Ohio State University

“In my eight years at Ohio State, Pat has been a valuable resource for our program. We have accomplished significant growth over the last few years with fundraising efforts for our new practice facility and renovations to our locker room, video, athletic training and strength training areas. Pat has led that effort and I anticipate he will be equally successful at FAU.”
- Thad Matta, head men’s basketball coach at The Ohio State University

“Pat and Natalie Chun will be difference-makers for the entire FAU community and the great state of Florida. Pat was instrumental in our successes at Ohio State both on the field of play and in the classroom. A tireless worker and a fine leader, Pat will be an important key in President MJ Saunders’ strategy to take FAU to the next level of excellence.”
- Jim Tressel, former head football coach at The Ohio State University and current vice president of strategic engagement at the University of Akron:

“The selection of Pat Chun as the director of athletics at FAU is a great one! Pat has worked very hard to develop his career so he would be optimally ready for this opportunity. He has had wonderful experience, understands the integral role of intercollegiate athletics in the institution, has developed outstanding professional conduct skills, and has been directly mentored by one of the premier athletics directors in Gene Smith at The Ohio State University. In addition to developing solid experience in all aspects of intercollegiate athletics, he has studied leadership qualities in premier leaders across the country.”
- Dutch Baughman, executive director of the Division 1A Athletic Directors’ Association

“I am very excited to learn of the fantastic decision by the leadership of FAU to make Pat Chun their athletic director. This is truly the personification of where preparation meets opportunity. Pat has been purposeful in his life’s journey to develop and sharpen the necessary skills and core values to lead in today’s dynamic world of intercollegiate athletics. Moreover, he will identify, build and sustain relationships with all key stakeholders of the University’s vision and mission. The future is bright in the Land of the Owls.”
- Joseph R. Castiglione, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Oklahoma

“Pat is a smart, creative, and hard worker; is people and service oriented; and is a genuinely good guy. All invaluable qualities for a good leader. In addition to those attributes, he's been mentored by one of the best in the business in Gene Smith. Pat is ready to lead, and FAU has chosen well.”
- Clark Kellogg, CBS Sports college basketball lead analyst/vice president of the Indiana Pacers

Chun in charge

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