TCU’s new athletics director comes from Rice program

Texas Christian University conducted a national search to locate its new athletics director, and found the man to fill the job a few hours away.

Rice University’s Christopher Del Conte, director of intercollegiate athletics, is TCU’s new athletics director, a position vacated in September after previous director Danny Morrison left to become the Carolina Panthers’ president.

Del Conte oversaw 16 intercollegiate programs, 350 student-athletes, coaches and staff at Rice. While at the Houston university, Del Conte designed, developed and managed a campaign that to date has raised more than $90 million. He has 19 years experience in intercollegiate athletics, and also has worked at the University of Arizona in Tucson and various associations and committees, including the National Association of Directors of Athletic Development.

“I am thrilled to be appointed TCU’s athletics director,” Del Conte said in a TCU press release. “Athletics plays a vital role in the entire university experience and as such, it must remain an integral part of TCU’s strategic direction. Doing so enhances and supports not only the student-athlete experience but also the collegiate experience of all TCU students. This program enjoys invaluable community involvement and support, has a history of excellence steeped in tradition and continues building its reputation on a national level. I look forward to carrying forward the great momentum that is clearly visible throughout the TCU athletic program.”

University Chancellor Victor J. Boschini said Del Conte has the extensive experience and proven ability to lead the school’s athletics program.

“He has successfully served in leadership positions in athletic programs throughout the country and guided the development of strategic partnerships, negotiated and managed key contracts, advanced student-athlete academic achievement, and ensured that athletics remained integrated with the strategic direction of each university he served,” Boschini said in the statement.

jtronche@bizpress.net