Eastern Michigan's Dr. Derrick Gragg Named New TU Athletic Director

Four months after firing Ross Parmley amid gambling allegations, the University of Tulsa has a new Director of Athletics.

University President Steadman Upham announced Wednesday that Dr. Derrick Gragg has been hired as TU's new Athletic Director, coming to Tulsa from Eastern Michigan University where he spent six years in the same position.

During Gragg's first year at EMU in 2006-07, the department set a school and Mid-American Conference record by capturing a remarkable eight team conference titles, adding a league post-season crown and recording two runner-up finishes. Additionally, four of EMU's top six athletic fundraising years have occurred during the past six years under Gragg's leadership. The department also secured the largest athletics donation in EMU athletics history in 2008 - a $1 million donation to men's and women's track programs.

Gragg's departure was reportedly announced to the Eastern Michigan staff in a meeting today.

12/4/2012 Related Story:TU Athletic Director Ross Parmley Fired Amid Illegal Gambling Investigation

Gragg will be introduced to the Tulsa community during a news conference at 2 p.m. Friday at the Donald W. Reynolds Center President's Suite.

"We are extremely pleased to announce that Dr. Derrick Gragg will be joining TU as our new director of athletics. Our search committee was presented with an impressive field of applicants for this position, and Derrick stood out as an exceptional candidate," Upham said. "TU has seen several key changes in the past year, and a handful of questions remain with regard to NCAA compliance and conference realignment. We feel that Derrick's history of integrity and excellence is well-suited to manage those issues and keep our university and its athletic program moving forward. He will be an enthusiastic and dedicated leader for Golden Hurricane student-athletes and their coaches."

In addition to Upham's enthusiasm, Gragg also stated his excitement for the new opportunity.

"I am very excited to accept the position of director of athletics at TU. It is a wonderful opportunity to lead a program of this caliber," Gragg said. "The university's combination of academic and athletic success dovetails perfectly with my own personal and professional core values. My family and I are eager to become an integral part the Tulsa community and the TU family."