After reading Dr. Crutcher's announcement and touting the strong record of AD Keith Gill, I believe many are mis-characterizing Keith Gill's resignation including John O'Connor.
Athletic Director stepping down at University of Richmond
May 10, 2017
University of Richmond President Ronald A. Crutcher announced today that he has accepted the resignation of Athletic Director Keith Gill, who is stepping down for personal reasons.
“Keith Gill has led our Division of Athletics with distinction and positioned the University of Richmond for future athletic success,” Crutcher said. “Under Keith’s leadership Richmond has won more than a dozen championships, expanded and enhanced our athletics facilities, and launched a varsity lacrosse squad that is now consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation.”
“While we will miss him as a colleague, and his focus on the athletic and academic development of our student-athletes, we fully understand and respect the personal reasons that have led Keith to make this difficult decision,” Crutcher said. “We are grateful for his service and we wish him and his family the very best.”
“I want to thank the Spider family for four and a half great years. I’m proud of all that we’ve accomplished, the impact we have had on Richmond athletics, and the life and academic experiences of our student-athletes,” Gill said. “Leaving the university at this point in our progress is bittersweet, but right now my primary focus has to be with my family. I want to thank you for your support of me and our athletics program. Go Spiders.”
Gill has served as the athletic director since 2012. During that time, Richmond Athletics won 14 conference championships, including the first ever for men’s lacrosse and women’s golf. Football participated in three consecutive NCAA playoffs, including advancing to the semi-finals and the quarter-finals. Men’s basketball advanced to two NIT quarterfinals. In addition, there have been 19 All-Americans.
Teams also excelled academically with the average team GPA during his tenure at 3.14 (out of 4.0). Eleven of 15 teams set GPA records and the average cumulative GPA for individual student-athletes climbed from 2.95 to 3.04. Also during his time, 23 athletes were named Academic All-Americans. Gill also launched a student-athlete study abroad program which has provided a study abroad experience to more than 140 student-athletes.
In addition, Richmond Athletics has made numerous improvements to its athletics facilities, including a complete renovation of the Robins Center.
Crutcher announced that deputy athletic director, David Walsh, will serve as interim athletic director and that a search for the Spiders’ next athletic director will be launched.
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