TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State University announced today the appointment of Stan Wilcox, senior deputy athletics director at Duke University, as the institution’s new Director of Athletics, following a national search.
Wilcox will be formally introduced during a news conference today at 5:15 p.m. at the Team Room at the Moore Athletic Center (Building D, 403 Stadium Dr. West, 32306).
Florida State University President Eric J. Barron cited Wilcox’s remarkable depth of expertise in the oversight of athletics programs, business acumen, understanding of marketing, NCAA compliance, and experience in strategic fundraising initiatives as well as his track record of student athlete academic success as the reasons for the selection.
“I am excited about the future of Florida State’s athletics program under the direction of Stan. His exceptional portfolio of strategic planning and fundraising experience and his reputation as a motivator, effective communicator and facilitator, as well as a commitment to the education of our student athletes made Stan a clear choice,” said Pres. Barron.
Wilcox, who holds a law degree from Brooklyn Law School and a bachelor of arts in economics from University of Notre Dame, will plan and direct the overall administrative and operational activities of intercollegiate athletics for Florida State. The nationally acclaimed 20-sport athletic program has a budget of $75.2 million. As part of his duties Wilcox will ensure compliance with NCAA, Atlantic Coast Conference, and university rules and regulations.
“I am thrilled and very thankful to Pres. Barron for affording me this great honor. I have followed Florida State athletics from afar and through the ACC Conference; and have always been a big fan of FSU’s student athletes on the field and in the classroom,” said Wilcox. “I look forward to continuing in the great tradition of previous Florida State athletic directors as well as addressing the challenges and opportunities that this outstanding athletics program will hold. Go ’Noles!”
Prior to his role at Duke, Wilcox served as deputy athletic director at his alma mater, Notre Dame, from 2005 to 2008, where he supervised 11 programs ranging from strategic planning initiatives to football to women’s soccer. He also served as associate commissioner of the Big East Conference from 1994 to 2005, providing leadership and conference oversight for NCAA governance. Following completion of law school, Wilcox worked as a legislative assistant with the NCAA from 1989 to 1984.
Vanessa Fuchs, senior associate athletics director, has been serving as interim director following the transition of Randy Spetman, who had served as athletic director since 2007. “Florida State University is appreciative of Vanessa’s leadership during the transition,” said Pres. Barron.
Florida State’s athletic program has finished among the Top 15 in each of the last seven years in the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup, which measures overall program excellence. FSU won six ACC regular season or tournament championships in 2012-13 including football and all but one sport advanced to NCAA postseason competition. In total, 31 FSU student-athletes were named All-Americans last year and five Seminoles were named ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year in their sports
