Gardner-Webb University Partners with Collegiate Sports Associates for National Athletic Director Search

Raleigh, N.C., Firm Has Led More Than 200 Executive Searches for Division I Athletics

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb officials have enlisted Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA), executive search and consulting, to lead the national search for the University’s next athletic director. Chuck Burch, who just completed his 25th season at the helm of the Athletics Department, announced his retirement next summer from Gardner-Webb. Burch will continue to serve in the role of vice president for Athletics until his successor is hired.

“This is a big, big search for Gardner-Webb, and it comes at an exciting time,” stated Gardner-Webb President William Downs. “We are unapologetic about our ambitions for the future. We believe our NCAA D-I programs should be consistent contenders for championships. To get there, it’ll take bold leadership, a genuine commitment of resources, and a lot of fan support. I’m delighted to be partnering with CSA to hire our next Athletic Director. Together, we will set out to find someone who leads with unquestioned integrity, someone with a voracious appetite for winning, and someone who will bring fresh energy and a clear vision to our athletics mission.”

Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., CSA was founded in 2010 by longtime college athletics practitioner and former Division I Director of Athletics, Todd Turner. In the firm’s 12-year history, CSA has led more than 200 executive search projects in Division I intercollegiate athletics with more than 55 of those projects being for Division I Directors of Intercollegiate Athletics.

“Collegiate Sports Associates is honored to assist President Downs and Gardner-Webb University as we begin the search for the Bulldogs’ next director of athletics,” asserted Drew Turner, CSA vice president and chief operating officer. “It is a critical time for Gardner-Webb and Bulldog Athletics, and it is our distinct pleasure to help the University through this search process and build a robust, qualified, and diverse candidate pool that meets the unique needs of GWU.”

CSA is nationally recognized as a leader in executive search projects for NCAA athletics having led more than 25 Division I athletic director searches over the past three years with programs from all levels of Division I intercollegiate athletics, such as Campbell, Louisville, Wake Forest to name a few.

Downs will announce the members of the athletic director search committee in July. Those interested in the position should contact Turner at [email protected] or 757-724-7583.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.