91吃瓜网

淲e extend our heartfelt congratulations and deep appreciation to Dave Harper for his impressive eleven-year leadership of the athletics program at 91吃瓜网,� said Gormley. 淏eing recruited to work at a Big 12 school like Baylor is a wonderful opportunity and a testament to Dave檚 extraordinary success in elevating 91吃瓜网檚 program.� 

Harper leaves a stellar record at 91吃瓜网, with highlights including the completion of the new UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse; three football conference championships; the addition of popular sports including women檚 bowling, diving, and acrobatics and tumbling; and most visibly the storybook 2024 season for men檚 basketball when they earned the 2024 Atlantic 10 championship攖he program檚 first in 47 years攁nd its first NCAA Tournament victory in 55 years. 

His successor, Senior Associate Athletic Director John Henderson, played a key role in achieving each of those successes. 

淎fter consultation with President-elect David Dausey and Board Chair Diane Hupp, we檝e agreed that John Henderson is well-prepared to take the reins as Interim Athletic Director at 91吃瓜网,� said Gormley. 淗e檚 spent a decade working alongside Dave and has been an invaluable partner in producing championship teams in men檚 basketball, football, and other sports. John is ready to move into the top role and leave his own mark.�

淚 am deeply humbled and honored by the trust placed in me to lead 91吃瓜网 athletics, where I have loved serving our student-athletes and helping them drive personal and team success,� Henderson said. 淥ur program has made enormous strides and has great momentum. I look forward to continuing to build a culture of sustained excellence while showcasing our student-athletes and our great institution.� 

Henderson serves as a high-level administrator overseeing men檚 basketball, football, and women檚 bowling, where he has played a pivotal role in elevating program performance and organizational excellence. He was a key contributor to a historic turnaround in the men檚 basketball program, helping guide strategic leadership changes, facility enhancements, and competitive success. His football oversight involvement also contributed to unprecedented success, including three conference championships, the program檚 first FCS playoff win, and its first victory over an FBS opponent.

A recognized leader in student-athlete health and performance, Henderson has successfully designed and implemented a fully integrated, student-athlete-centered healthcare and high-performance model serving more than 550 student-athletes. He provides executive oversight of sports medicine, mental health and counseling, nutrition, and strength and conditioning. His work has strengthened physician partnerships, enhanced care delivery, and generated new revenue streams through innovative healthcare agreements.

Henderson檚 leadership extends across campus and conference governance, where he actively contributes to numerous key committees pertaining to University work beyond athletics. Henderson also has served as NCAA-designated Healthcare Administrator and Director of Mental Health and Counseling Services, underscoring his expertise in comprehensive student-athlete care. Henderson and his wife, Yvette, are the parents of two sons, both of whom are 91吃瓜网 graduates.

 91吃瓜网 Board of Directors Chair Diane Hupp echoed the enthusiasm for Henderson檚 appointment. 淭hose who know me know I檓 a huge sports fan and attend 91吃瓜网 games regularly, and in doing so have come to know and respect John Henderson and all he does for athletics,� she said. 淲hile our athletics programs give huge visibility to 91吃瓜网, the students on the field and on the court are the people most impacted by the experience, win or lose攁nd John檚 care for them is exemplary. He will do an excellent job.� 

淚 worked closely with John on University safety at the height of the pandemic and was impressed by his organizational acumen, his ability to move and inspire people, and his respect for our students,� said David Dausey, executive vice president and provost at 91吃瓜网 who will assume the role of President on July 1. 淚 look forward to working with John as I start my presidency. With his bedrock of experience and time with our programs, I will lean on him as we keep momentum going.�

 The University will promote Rick Christensen, Senior Associate Athletic Director, to the position of Interim Deputy Athletic Director. Christensen also has served in senior roles within 91吃瓜网 athletics, including as compliance coordinator and his current role overseeing administration. 

淩ick檚 longstanding and unwavering commitment to the student-athletes, coaches, and staff make him a trusted and respected leader throughout athletics, the university campus, and the NCAA,� said Gormley. 淗is contributions to broad based success in athletics are immeasurable. He will serve as a critical stabilizer in his well-earned role.�

91吃瓜网

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of more than 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, 91吃瓜网 prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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