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Re: Danielle Surprenant named Interim AD

Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2018 9:38 pm
by GV Dad
Neckfansince71 wrote: Sun Jun 10, 2018 8:39 pm Back in 2011-12 I was involved in the university “strategic plan” led by the Smith group, which meant that 4 separate times I did the down and back to WIU/Macomb to take part in meetings and discussion regarding the future of Western. People were a bit shocked that I would go 3:45 hours down and 3:45 minutes back but I felt like a had something to say regarding the direction of my “alma mater” both as a graduate and member of the Alumni Council Board! I remember hearing about a meeting in which WIU’s involvement in D1 athletics was discussed, pros and cons! The final verdict was, students throughout the nation including WIU identified with major college athletics, especially with the “Big Dance!” Since the season of 16/17 for women, we all know now what a trip to the “dance” can do for a program. The men were oh so close a couple of years ago too and how many times has football qualified for the FCS championship playoffs. Yes I understand that money is an issue due to a whole lot of factors, but I think the Summit is well aware of the travel costs for schools east of the Mississippi and some help maybe on the way. The decision to go D1 was made back in the late 70’s when all the schools that had been our rivalry and competition went D1 as well. If WIU was going to go D2, that would have been the time to re-establish rivalries with the MIAA schools that have been mentioned here, not 30 years later.

Now I definitely understand that we need to plan for the future, but I am of the opinion that the future for Western, if the right moves are made is very bright indeed. We all know changes are definitely needed as far a direction is concerned. But none of us could have foreseen $0 budgets for two years straight along with all the rumors regarding reorganization and closing, plus the union stress. And, how many of us could have foreseen or believed there would be money for the CPA in this year’s budget. Well, WIU/Macomb is now being proactive! I see the athletic department being pro-active as well. We’ve got some work to do. Let’s get started! ;) jc
^^^Love this !^^^

Re: Danielle Surprenant named Interim AD

Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2018 1:41 am
by sealhall74
Spin is spin and reality is reality. NDSU is opening up a new apartment complex spearheaded by their foundation and alumni association this fall. The project involved buying up and razing a few homes across from the new Sanford Athletic Complex. It irked a few people in that neighborhood but money always talks the loudest. From what I can gather, it will be only about 2 years from "what a great idea" to actual student move-in. That is prime housing location for student athletes. I am retired and have no trouble getting to Gold's Gym 5 or 6 days a week with it only 5 miles away. If it was across the street, I would probably be going twice a day every day of the week. This smart and aggressive growth is what we are competing with. Can we compete is the 64K question. We need bold leadership willing to make changes that grab peoples attention . Now, where can I get one of those Ultimate Steakburgers from the new IHOB. ;)

https://www.westfargopioneer.com/news/4 ... st-opening

Re: Danielle Surprenant named Interim AD

Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2018 11:36 am
by GV Dad
sealhall74 wrote: Mon Jun 11, 2018 1:41 am Spin is spin and reality is reality. NDSU is opening up a new apartment complex spearheaded by their foundation and alumni association this fall. The project involved buying up and razing a few homes across from the new Sanford Athletic Complex. It irked a few people in that neighborhood but money always talks the loudest. From what I can gather, it will be only about 2 years from "what a great idea" to actual student move-in. That is prime housing location for student athletes. I am retired and have no trouble getting to Gold's Gym 5 or 6 days a week with it only 5 miles away. If it was across the street, I would probably be going twice a day every day of the week. This smart and aggressive growth is what we are competing with. Can we compete is the 64K question. We need bold leadership willing to make changes that grab peoples attention . Now, where can I get one of those Ultimate Steakburgers from the new IHOB. ;)

https://www.westfargopioneer.com/news/4 ... st-opening
You are absolutely right. Bold leadership seems to have been lacking in the past. And also that Reality is reality. In Reality, we're not going to be NDSU overnight (not saying that was your point). But we need to be always moving forward, not back. Set some aggressive goals, and get everyone's buyin to reach them. Then set new goals. Football attendance should be one of the first goals, as Football historically, is the revenue driver for all most Athletic Depts. And, Western already has a great product on the field to Market.

Re: Danielle Surprenant named Interim AD

Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2018 12:00 pm
by wiu712
GV Dad wrote: Mon Jun 11, 2018 11:36 amSet some aggressive goals, and get everyone's buying-in to reach them.
The overall goal needs to be maintaining intercollegiate athletics at Western--whether that be at the NCAA Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, or NAIA level.

We only have to look as far as Northeastern Illinois University to see what could happen.

NEIU was in the Mid-Con (now called Summit League). Their Baseball team won the 1996 Mid-Con Conference championship and earned them an NCAA Tournament bid.

But in 1998, NEIU dropped their intercollegiate athletic program and replaced it with Club Sports.

Re: Danielle Surprenant named Interim AD

Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2018 4:52 pm
by Western_101
712 wrote "The overall goal needs to be maintaining intercollegiate athletics at Western--whether that be at the NCAA Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, or NAIA level."

Dear God 712, You are asserting that WIU's overall goal includes D-III or NAIA?

When I went to school at Western the enrollment was over 13,000 (probably included QC numbers too). You are telling me now our goal includes making Eureka College or Culver-Stockton our peer group?

This far and away has to be the very worst post you have ever contributed. :shock:

Re: Danielle Surprenant named Interim AD

Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2018 5:18 pm
by Western_101
NEIU never ever, ever, ever. Did I mention ever? should have tried to masquerade as a D-1. It is 99% commuter college. If it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck.......Basically it is one of the City Colleges of Chicago albeit with an ever so slightly tweaked mission. I've never in my life even met anyone that had graduated from NEIU let alone attended (I lived in Schaumburg for 2 years and Uptown Chicago for 3). Western is nothing like NEIU nor is Western some pathetic excuse for an institution of higher learning. I'm looking at you Blackburn College, MacMurray College, whereby having a pulse and money gains admittance.

I guess I was the one that had the rant this year. :lol:

Re: Danielle Surprenant named Interim AD

Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2018 5:30 pm
by sealhall74
So who wanted it more? NEIU wanted in someplace? or the Mid-Con was having so much turnover it would take just about anyone? IMHO, that process is not too much different than how kids end up in one college or another these days.

Re: Danielle Surprenant named Interim AD

Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 12:58 pm
by ST_Lawson
Hope you all don't mind, but since this discussion veered off from talk about Interim AD Surprenant, I thought it'd be good to split it off onto it's own discussion. Conference affiliation stuff has been moved to: https://www.leathernecknation.net/forum ... hp?p=21714

Re: Danielle Surprenant named Interim AD

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 10:52 am
by Tere North
I suspect we will be hearing that Danielle Surpenant will be the permanent AD. At least I hope anyone's interim title doesn't last as long as our 4-year interim Provost's has.

At any rate, there is no search indicated for the AD among Western's administrative job postings, though there are several athletics jobs posted. Thus my supposition.

Admission Counselor / Transfer Coordinator Southern Region
Head Volleyball Coach
Associate Director of Planning, Budget and Institutional Research
Director of Basketball Operations
Chair, Department of Engineering Technology
Head Softball Coach
IL Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board Exec Institute Manager of Education and Training
IL Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board Exec Institute Manager of Research and Development
Assistant Athletic Director for External Engagement & Game Operations
IIRA/Faculty Assistant - SBDC International Trade Specialist
Chair Economics & Decision Sciences

From https://wiu.interviewexchange.com/stati ... 099&type=1

Re: Danielle Surprenant named Interim AD

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2018 8:47 am
by wiu712
The Men's Golf Coach position is not listed. Has that job been filled ???