By Benjamin Siepak
Student Union theater seats were filled this afternoon for a press conference announcing San Jose State’s new athletic director — Marie Tuite.
SJSU athletes, coaches, faculty and family members welcomed Tuite with an enthusiastic standing ovation following President Mary Papazian’s introduction.
“I am honored, I am humbled and I am happy,” Tuite responded.
The athletic director position became vacant after the re-assigning of Gene Bleymaier in February. Since then, Tuite had taken over duties as the interim athletic director.
This was her second stint as interim, with her first one dating back to 2012 when Tom Bowen left to become director of athletics at Memphis University.
Given her experience, particularly with San Jose State, Papazian feels that Tuite is the right one for the job.
“The fact that she’s been a part of our program for a while and has been key — working close with Gene Bleymaier, was key in a number of major initiatives, stepped up twice as interim — meant that she really knows the landscape well,” Papazian said.
Papazian explained that Tuite played a vital role in the new deal with Adidas, the recent renaming of CEFCU Stadium and SJSU’s move to the Mountain West Conference.
Tuite also feels confident that her familiarity with the position will help make it a smooth transition.
“I understand the Cal State system, I understand how things work on campus, I even understand the challenges that student-athletes have whether it’s parking or getting classes,” Tuite said. “So there won’t be that learning curve that perhaps someone who came in new would have to experience.”
Among her thoughts and goals addressed at the press conference, student-athlete graduation rates was the first issue discussed.
She made points of emphasis on the safety and well-being of student-athletes, as well as ensuring the school is operating compliant sports programs.
One of her goals is to build a bridge between the athletic department and main campus.
Among the many coaches who attended the press conference, new head football coach Brent Brennan showed up in support of Tuite, who he says has worked closely with him since his first day on the job.
“She’s worked with me in every step, every day since I’ve been hired,” Brennan said. “Our whole staff is excited, our athletes are excited — she’s spoken to the team a couple of times since I’ve been here, so everyone feels like they have a connection with her and I feel really fortunate that she’s in this spot.”
The conference concluded with Tuite asking Papazian to reassure everyone that she wasn’t going anywhere any time soon, and Papazian complied.