A 10-member committee began last week to search for the College's next athletic director. The position was recently vacated by Professor of Physical Education Peter Gooding who held the post since 1977. The committee, chaired by Professor of English and Russian Dale Peterson includes representatives from the faculty, Department of Physical Education, Administration and student senate.

The College is currently advertising for prospective athletic directors on the office of human resources Web site. According to the bulletin, the new director "should be an articulate advocate with the interpersonal and administrative skills necessary to foster excellence in every aspect of the department's operations, including personnel management and development, budget and finance, fundraising, facilities, planning, marketing, alumni and community relations, recruitment and compliance."

The advertisement also cites the difficulty of prioritizing academics and athletics at the College, where performance in both the classroom and playing field is held in high esteem. "We seek a director with experience in hiring and leading coaches and recruiting scholar-athletes within a rigorous academic environment," the announcement read. The advertisement enumerates other considerations as well, such as the candidate's commitment to diversity and gender equity.

The committee has received applications. Committee member and Assistant Professor of Computer Science Scott Kaplan has declined to comment on the nature of the applications received because the process is still in an early stage.

"Our committee expects to arrange open meetings on campus with faculty, staff and student groups in order to seek guidance as to the professional qualifications and personal qualities most desired in the next athletic director," said Peterson.

Apart from Kaplan and Peterson, the committee includes six other College employees: Dean of New Students Allen Hart, Director of Institutional Research Marian Matheson, Associate Dean of Admissions Catharine Zolkos, Professor of Psychology Amy Demorest, Head Swimming Coach Nick Nichols and Associate Director of Sports Medicine Maria Rello. The student body is represented by Katharine Roin '06 and Senator Patrick Benson '08.

Roin was unanimously selected by the Association of Amherst Students after going before the senate last Monday and expounding upon her qualifications. "I wanted to be on this committee because I think that having an athletic director that understands and respects the importance of both athletics and academics at Amherst is essential," she said.

According to Roin, the College hopes to hire a new athletic director as early as the conclusion of the academic year. The committee begins its formal review of applications on March 1st, and will continue to evaluate candidates until the position has been filled.

The roles of Co-Interim Athletic Director are currently occupied by David Hixon '75 and Suzanne Everden.