FORT MYERS, FL - President Wilson G. Bradshaw announced the appointment of Kenneth E. Kavanagh as Florida Gulf Coast University's next athletic director. Kavanagh, currently the athletic director at Bradley University, was one of four finalists in the national search.

Kavanagh is excited to join FGCU. "I am deeply honored to have been selected as athletic director by President Bradshaw. In turn, our entire family is extremely excited to be joining the FGCU community and such a vibrant place to live."

President Bradshaw is pleased with his selection of Kavanagh. "We had a very strong pool of candidates with an outstanding slate of finalists, and I believe Ken Kavanagh is the person to take our successful athletics program into the future," said Bradshaw. "I want to commend the fine work of Dr. Jo-Ann Nester as interim athletic director since November 2008. The program has not missed a beat under her leadership."

President Bradshaw also commended the search committee for its outstanding work. "The search committee did a great job under the diligent leadership of associate vice president and associate provost Hudson Rogers. I extend special thanks to all committee members for their hard work in this process."

Kavanagh will receive an annual salary of $170,000 and a five-year contract, effective June 15, 2009.

Kavanagh's intercollegiate athletic experience includes serving as senior associate athletic director and assistant athletic director at Bowling Green State University in Ohio from 1987 to 1996.

From 1985 to 1987, Kavanagh served as graduate assistant to the associate athletic director at the University of Notre Dame.

At Yale University, Kavanagh served as director of Events and Team Travel, and assistant manager of Contests and Promotions from 1982 to 1985.

Kavanagh received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame in 1987, and a Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, from Boston College in 1982.

Kavanagh looks forward to getting started. "I eagerly anticipate getting to know the outstanding coaches, student-athletes, donors, administrative and support staff who have contributed to an overall environment that makes this position so valued."

Article courtesy: FGCU Sports Information