After a successful 13-year run as athletic director, Rick Hart is stepping down from his position at SMU. Hart's tenure witnessed significant milestones, including SMU's move to the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Mustangs' participation in the expanded College Football Playoff. His departure coincides with the changing leadership at SMU, with President R. Gerald Turner also stepping down after 30 years.
Rick Hart is stepping down after 13 years as athletic director at SMU , a significant period marked by the university's highly anticipated move into a power conference, joining the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) last year. Hart announced his departure in a statement on Friday, stating that it was 'time for a new challenge' and a 'new voice to lead the Mustangs.' He pledged to remain in his role until a successor is appointed.
\Hart's tenure witnessed several notable achievements for SMU Athletics. Notably, the Mustangs qualified for the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff in their inaugural ACC season. The university also made a strategic hire by appointing Andy Enfield as the new men's basketball coach last year, bringing Enfield's experience from Southern California and Florida Gulf Coast. \Hart's decision coincides with the impending departure of R. Gerald Turner, SMU's president for the past 30 years. Turner announced his resignation in August, and Jay Hartzell, the former president of the University of Texas, will assume leadership on June 1. Turner expressed his admiration for Hart's leadership, characterizing it as 'character, class, and integrity.' Turner acknowledged that Hart believed 'now is a good time for both him and SMU to move forward,' allowing President-elect Hartzell to select a Director of Athletics who aligns with his vision for the future of intercollegiate athletics. SMU has invested heavily in athletic facilities under Hart's guidance, exceeding $250 million since 2013, including renovations of Moody Coliseum and an end zone complex completed this past football season
SMU Athletic Director Rick Hart Departure Atlantic Coast Conference Andy Enfield R. Gerald Turner Jay Hartzell
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