During the 2000-2001 academic year, University President, John Casteen, and the Board of Visitors announced the formation of a Task Force to study the operations and financial sustainability of the Department of Athletics. The intercollegiate athletics program was deemed to be underfunded and was in jeopardy of having to cut sports if its financial limitations were not addressed.
After numerous conversations with its various stakeholders, the University articulated its desire for a consistently performing top-ten athletics program. Thus, the University community supported this opportunity to elevate its intercollegiate athletics program by structuring a sustainable financial model. At the same time, goals for the athletics program were established which included providing greater support for its student-athletes’ success in the classroom, success in athletics competition, and success within the University community as leaders.
Craig Littlepage (Director of Athletics, Emeritus) was named the Director of Athletics Programs in August 2001 and held that position until his retirement in December 2017. During that period of time the UVA Athletics program excelled, routinely finishing among the nation’s top-ten athletics programs as measured in the distinguished Learfield Directors’ Cup. Mr. Littlepage will discuss the blueprint used in building the foundation for UVA Athletics’ success. He will present the key factors, events, and discuss the key people that were instrumental in the success experienced over the past two decades in athletics.
Join us October 4, 2021 at 12:00 noon to hear from Craig Littlepage, Emeritus Director of Athletics, and learn about building an academic and competitive athletics department.