Stanford AD Bernard Muir Announced as 2016 Recipient of Ohio Sports Adminstration Distinguished Alumnus Award
Muir ('92), Director of Athletics at Stanford University, is recognized as a leader in collegiate athletics and has experienced notable success at multiple institutions. Award will be presented at annual Sports Administration symposium in May.
Athens, OHIO, January 31, 2016 (Newswire.com) - Ohio University Center for Sports Administration is proud to announce Bernard Muir (MSA Class of '92) as the 2016 recipient of the Charles R. Higgins Distinguished Alumnus award.
“We are excited to have Bernard as our Distinguished Alumnus this year, and feel he defines what this award is all about,” said Jim Kahler, Executive Director of the Ohio University Center for Sports Administration. “Since leaving Ohio University Bernard has stayed connected to our program, and been a major contributor to the ongoing success of Ohio University. He does a great job serving as a role model and mentor to our students and young alumni.”
It is certainly an honor to receive this prestigious award bearing the name of my mentor and very good friend, Dr. Higgins, this type of recognition serves as another reminder of how fortunate I was to be assembled with such a talented group of fellow classmates during my time at Ohio University, many of whom I'm still in touch with since our days in Athens.
Bernard Muir, Director of Athletics, Stanford University
Bernard was a four-year letter winner in basketball at Brown University before beginning his career in athletic administration at Butler University in 1990. From there, he came to Ohio University where he completed his Master of Sports Administration degree in 1992.
After graduating from Ohio, Muir held positions with Auburn University and Streetball Partners International before joining the NCAA. While there, he served as the Assistant Director, and then the Director of Operations for the Men’s Division I Basketball Championship.
After 8 years with the NCAA, Muir Joined Kevin White’s staff with Notre Dame Athletics. From 2000-2005 he served as Associate Athletic Director for Student Welfare and Development, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Welfare and Development, and finally as Deputy Director of Athletics for Administration and facilities.
In 2005, Muir was named the Director of Athletics at Georgetown University where he served until 2009. From 2009 – 2012 Muir directed the athletic department at the University of Delaware.
In 2012 Bernard Muir was named the Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics at Stanford University after a national search was conducted to replace Bob Bowlsby.
In the three-plus years under Muir’s leadership Stanford Athletics has built upon its impressive run of success on the field and in the classroom. In 2014-15, the Cardinal captured their 21st consecutive Learfield Sports Director’s Cup, which honors the most successful intercollegiate athletic department in the nation, as well as claiming its third Women’s Capital One Cup in the past five seasons.
Muir has also continued Stanford’s tradition of achievement in the classroom. 19 varsity teams have received Division I Academic Progress Rate Public recognition awards from the NCAA during his tenure, and in 2013-14 27 of Stanford’s 36 varsity sports earned a perfect APR score of 1,000.
In addition to overseeing the department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation, Muir accepted an invitation to join the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee in 2014. The committee oversees all aspects of NCAA collegiate men’s basketball at the Division I level and serves as the selection committee for the NCAA Tournament.
"It is certainly an honor to receive this prestigious award bearing the name of my mentor and very good friend, Dr. Higgins,” said Muir, “This type of recognition serves as another reminder of how fortunate I was to be assembled with such a talented group of fellow classmates during my time at Ohio University, many of whom I'm still in touch with since our days in Athens.
“I'm so proud to be part of this program and to hear about the exciting opportunities that current students are encountering. The real thrill is hearing from students about what their individual aspirations might be in sport once they have completed their coursework."
About the Charles R. Higgins Distinguished Alumnus Award
The Charles R. Higgins Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented annually to a graduate of the Ohio University Sports Administration program that has positively impacted the sports industry and the lives of others around them.
The award was founded in 1982 after the graduate program had been in existence for 15 years. Because many program graduates were already making a significant mark in the sport industry at this time, the faculty and administrators wanted to recognize these achievements. The award was created to specifically recognize those graduates who were making a noteworthy contribution to the sport industry through professional achievement, as well as making a notable contribution back to the program. The first recipient of the award was Andy Dolich from the class of 1971.
The award not only recognizes a standout graduate, but it helps to showcase the Ohio University Sports Administration and Facility Management graduate program, and demonstrate the caliber of the students. In addition, the award recognizes Dr. Charles Higgins, program director from 1977-1994 and current professor emeritus.
The Distinguished Alumnus Award is officially presented to the honoree during Symposium weekend held each spring at Ohio University. Along with a variety of events held for the alumni and current students of the MSA program, the weekend is closed out with a keynote speech by the distinguished alumnus.
About Ohio University Sports Administration
As the first institution in the world to offer a master-level degree in Sports Administration, Ohio University has been a pioneer in the sports administration and business world for 50 years. Ranked as the top graduate program in the world by Sport Business International in 2015, Ohio continues its mission of producing the top sports business professionals each year.
The two-year MBA/MSA program prepares students for leadership positions by combining the business teaching of the Ohio University MBA program with sport-specific knowledge during the MSA program. This degree combination recognizes the growing complexity of the sports, facility and entertainment industries, and reinforces Ohio University's commitment to preparing students for the leadership challenges of the future. Please watch the video below for testimonials from some of the program's prominent alumni.
Ohio MBA/MSA informational video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKc7jOSrfOE
Ohio Sports Administration website: www.sportsad.ohio.edu
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CONTACTS:
Todd Moore • Ohio University Center for Sports Administration• 740-593-9370 • tfmoore91 @gmail.com