Monday, April 29, 2013

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Barbara Dearing, who has spent the past six years as a senior staff member with the Portland State University Athletics Department, has been appointed to serve as Western Oregon University’s next Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, President Mark Weiss announced on Monday.

“Barbara Dearing has been successful in all areas of collegiate athletics and I am confident she will be a great asset to WOU,” President Mark Weiss said. “Her passion for the student-athlete was clear as we went through the process of interviewing an elite pool of candidates and we are excited to have her join the Wolves team. Her vast experience as a coach and administrator has her ready to build on the tradition and excellence of WOU Athletics."

Dearing joins WOU after serving as the Associate Athletic Director for Business & Financial Operations and Senior Woman Administrator at PSU since July 2008. She was promoted to her current role after serving as the Assistant Athletic Director for Business Operations for the department in 2007.

In her role at PSU, Dearing was responsible for managing a $14 million athletic department budget while serving as the sport administrator for men’s and women’s track & field and cross country, women’s softball, women’s soccer and women's volleyball.

“I am honored and humbled to be joining the Western Oregon Wolves family and would like to thank President Weiss, the search committee, coaches, staff and student-athletes for the opportunity,” Dearing said. “The institution’s values and tradition of excellence in academics and athletics makes this a tremendous fit. I am eager to partner with the campus leadership team; and, of course, the incredible student-athletes, coaches and staff, faculty and alumni to continue to emphasize the important role athletics has in cultivating strong, capable leaders. ”

In addition to her duties as a member of PSU’s senior strategic team, Dearing has served as a key member of a number of national committees. She currently serves on the NCAA Division I Softball Sport Committee, which directs the NCAA Division I regional and national softball tournaments, and is the Co-chair of the NCAA West Regional Softball Advisory committee.

During her time at PSU, the sports she directly supervised have won seven conference championships, one divisional title and have participated in six NCAA post-season championships.  In addition, the track & field and cross country programs have produced several conference champions and regional qualifiers for NCAA post season, including the school's first ever All-American for the men's track & field program.

“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge and say thank you for the opportunities provided to me for my professional and personal growth during my tenure at PSU,” Dearing said. “President Wim Weiwel, Chief of Staff Lois Davis, Director of Athletics Torre Chisolm, the coaches, staff and the student-athletes made my time at PSU a memorable and cherished experience.”

Dearing joined Portland State with over 20 years of athletic experience as a former head coach and administrator. She has served as the Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations and Senior Woman Administrator at Longwood University, where she assisted with the university’s NCAA reclassification from NCAA Division II to Division I. She was instrumental in the project management and completion of Longwood’s new major facilities projects, which included the creation of new athletic fields as well as renovations to a number of key facilities.

In addition to her extensive administrative experience, Dearing has spent time as a head softball coach for a number of NCAA programs. She served as head softball coach at Presbyterian College, Ohio State University, Liberty University and Columbus State Community College and also spent time as an assistant coach at Temple University.

“My commitment to the student-athletes is about creating an opportunity to show the value of character and leadership building in service to others. I share WOU’s vision for excellence and believe it’s important to develop student-athletes who strive for academic achievement, competitive success and a dedication to serve the communities in which they live,” Dearing said. “A strong foundation is in place and I am devoted to building on its excellence by leading the Athletics program with integrity, purpose and passion.”

Dearing holds degrees from Bob Jones University (B.S.), Temple University (M.Ed.), and Franklin University (MBA) and is a graduate of the NACWAA/HERS Leadership Institute and the Leadership Enhancement Institute programs. She is an active member of the NACWAA, CABMA, NACDA, and NFCA. 

A native of Beckley, West Virginia, Dearing’s interests include opera and classical music, outdoor recreational activities, and volunteering through her local church for various community events.

Dearing will succeed Jon Carey, who will retire after serving as the interim Athletics Director this year after serving WOU for over 30 years as a head women’s basketball coach and Athletics Director. Dearing will begin her role with WOU on July 1.