Athletics | 2/8/2010 12:47:44 PM

MONMOUTH, Ore. - Daniel Hare has been named the new athletic director of Western Oregon University. The announcement was made Feb. 8, by university president Dr. John Minahan.

Hare will bring a broad range of skills and experience to the athletic director position. He is currently serving as the director of athletic compliance at Central Oklahoma (NCAA Division II) but also has a background in fundraising, coaching and law.

"Daniel Hare is familiar with virtually every part of athletic director's job," said Minahan. "He is smart, energetic and knows a major part of his time will be fundraising. He is ready to take on this job."

Hare got his fundraising background at Baylor University, where he served as the athletic development officer from 2003-06. During his tenure with Baylor, he was in charge of the annual volunteer fund drive as well as managing and cultivating all sport-specific funds. He also administered the Baylor Bear Foundation 'Young Alumni Program' and helped raise over $750,000 to renovate the women's basketball locker room.

Hare also has an extensive education. He received his juris doctorate from the Baylor Law School in 2009 and has a bachelor and masters degrees from the University of Oklahoma in business administration.

Hare will be taking over the athletic director duties from Jon Carey, who has served as the head of the Wolves' athletic department since July 1, 1993.

"I am humbled and honored to be chosen as the next director of athletics at Western Oregon University," said Hare. "President Minahan, Jon Carey, the coaches and staff have done a tremendous job creating a competitive Division II program at WOU. My goal is to take that solid foundation and create opportunities for our student-athletes to reach new heights athletically, academically and in life.

"Every step in the search process affirmed to my wife Adrienne and I that Western is the right place for us," continued Hare. "We cannot wait to get to Monmouth to start this exciting new adventure."

Hare will be joining the WOU athletic department by May 1st at the latest.

Dr. Minahan also expressed gratitude to those involved in the selection process. "Thank you to everyone on the search committee," said Minahan.

Interview contacts:
Daniel Hare
(405) 532-6563
Daniel_hare@baylor.edu

Gregory Bruce
Head women's basketball coach, WOU
503-838-8177
bruceg@wou.edu