Feb. 8, 2008
CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Kirby Hocutt has been named the new Director of Athletics at the University of Miami. The 36-year-old Hocutt has been the athletic director at Ohio University since June 2005. Prior to that he had been at the University of Oklahoma for six years, serving most recently as associate athletics director for external operations and sports administration.
"Kirby Hocutt is a proven leader, with the enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and commitment to our quest to be the top program in the country," said University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala.
A former star linebacker at Kansas State, Hocutt has a total of 17 years experience in intercollegiate athletics, including five as a student-athlete. He replaces Paul Dee, who is retiring after being the Director of Athletics for the past 16 years. Hocutt will officially begin his duties at UM on June 1, 2008.
"My family and I are extremely excited to be coming to the University of Miami and joining the South Florida community," said Hocutt. "To be associated with a world-class University known for comprehensive excellence is truly an amazing opportunity. I look forward to working for and with President Shalala, our student-athletes, coaches and staff as we focus on permanently establishing the Miami Hurricanes as the premier athletics program in the nation."
Joe Natoli, Miami's senior vice president/business and finance and chief financial officer, who chaired the search committee, said, "Our search, which included ADs and senior associates at some of the top programs in the country, led us to Kirby Hocutt, a rising star in intercollegiate athletics."
At Ohio, Hocutt significantly reorganized the athletic department's annual giving program, increasing fundraising by more than 75 percent, including the securing of the second largest major gift in school athletics history. He also increased season ticket sales in football by 112 percent and in men's basketball by 50 percent. He developed a comprehensive plan to improve the facilities for the football stadium and its press box, as well as the Convocation Center, which houses all administrative and coaches' offices.
In his three years at Ohio, the school won 11 team championships and four head coaches were recognized as conference Coaches of the Year. In 2006, the football team played in its first bowl game in 38 years.
