Todd Stansbury Returning To OSU As AD

Todd Stansbury, the Athletic Director at the University of Central Florida, is returning to Oregon St. after a little over 3 years with the Knights. Stansbury, who was Executive Associate Athletic Director from 2003 until taking the UCF position in March of 2012, will replace Bob De Carolis as Athletic Director. Stansbury will take over on August 1st.

De Carolis, who originally hired Stansbury away from East Tennessee St. where he was the Athletic Director from 2000 to 2003, is stepping down after 17 years at Oregon St., nearly the last 13 as the Athletic Director, a decision he made after learning this spring that Oregon St. President Ed Ray had decided to not renew De Carolis’ contract when it ran out at the end of June next year.

"This decision was difficult, because I love UCF, what our teams have accomplished, and the excitement still ahead," Stansbury said. "Karen and I have spent a large part of our lives at Oregon State and we look forward to returning to Corvallis. But without a doubt, we will still be Knights fans from the West Coast."

Stansbury’s stint at UCF was highlighted by the Knights’ successful transition from Conference USA to the American Athletic Conference. UCF went 31-9 the last 3 football seasons, including a 12-1 2013 campaign that included a Fiesta Bowl upset win over Baylor. At the same time, the overall GPA of their student athletes reached 3.17.

"Oregon State hired a winner in every sense of the word," UCF President John C. Hitt added. "Todd fostered a culture of academic and athletic success at UCF."

During his first stay in Corvallis, Stansbury was in the middle of $120 million worth of facilities projects, the most notable being the Reser West Side.

With the rebuild of the Valley Football Center underway, and then hopefully a rebuild of the East side of Reser on the horizon, his experience with both building projects and the fund raising (he increased the UCF donor base by nearly 50% in 3 1/2 years in Orlando) to pay for them are certainly one of the driving reasons for his hire, along with his familiarity with Oregon St. and the Pac-12.

Prior to his stay at East Tennessee St., Stansbury had experience in athletics administration at Georgia Tech from 1990-95, his alma mater, where he played linebacker, as an assistant AD, and at Houston as Associate AD from 1997 to 2000.

The other apparent possibility to replace De Carolis was current Deputy Athletic Director Mark Massari, who will effectively act as interim AD during July, though Ray has named Senior Woman Administrator Marianne Vydra to officially hold the title. Practically speaking, not a lot of substance will change during July.

As Stansbury is a familiar and known commodity in the Athletic Department and around campus, at least initially, there isn't likely to be massive upheaval, though only time will reveal what the future holds for various members of the department.

Oregon St. will make a formal announcement shortly, and follow with an introductory event on Wednesday, June 24.

UPDATE:

President Ray announced the hire this morning:

"I am very pleased that Todd Stansbury is rejoining Oregon State University," Ray said. "He is prepared to hit the ground running, and will help propel OSU's men's and women's athletics. He is very skilled at growing fan excitement and engagement, and will guide the success of our student-athletes in sports, academics and community. He is committed to high-level athletics achievement by competing and winning championships the right way - the Oregon State way. Good is not good enough at Oregon State University!"

Stansbury was selected following a national search that attracted extensive interest and several high-level finalists for the position, Ray added.

Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com