The University of Akron introduced Andrew T. Goodrich as the Zips’ new director of athletics on Monday, May 12.
Here’s what Goodrich had to say to the media during his introductory press conference:
Who is Andrew Goodrich and where was he before Akron?
Goodrich, 48, comes to Akron from Gardner-Webb University where he served as vice president and director of athletics since 2022. The Bulldogs have 22 Division I teams and compete primarily in the Big South Conference.
He takes over for Charles Guthrie, who left for Fordham University in November 2024.
Under his watch, the women’s basketball program went undefeated in the Big South Conference in 2022-23. The men’s soccer team won its first Big South Conference Tournament in 2024 and saw Takeo Davis and Todd Carter win Big South wrestling titles this winter.
Prior to Gardner-Webb, Goodrich spent four years as deputy director of athletics and chief marketing officer at Syracuse University.
Goodrich earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Cumberland University, an MBA in marketing management from The University of Notre Dame and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of South Florida.
Andrew Goodrich stresses upbringing to where he is today
In his opening statement, Goodrich talked of growing up on a dairy farm in Otsego, New York, as to teaching him the ethics and integrity in takes to run an athletics program.
Andrew Goodrich ready to turn Akron around
He learned early on that results matter. That’s the attitude he’s bringing in to Akron. He wants to see work ethic and attitude and sees that if you strive to do great there results will follow.
Andrew Goodrich sees a symbiotic relationship in success
Goodrich said that without open conversation between himself and president RJ Nemer, athletics fail. The model must be about restoring faith, hope and confidence. Those behaviors foster grit, hope and confidence.
Andrew Goodrich vision of athletics at the University of Akron
Goodrich will draw on past athletic departments he worked in to push the Zips forward. Akron will adapt and embrace changes. He will use data processes to help with that change. He embraces the mental toughness used when he was at the University of South Florida and the spirit he saw at the University of Miami.
Andrew Goodrich will attack biggest questions in Akron sports
Goodrich isn’t going to shy away from the football program’s academic shortcomings. He’s ready to attack the issue and is looking to develop a blueprint that impact academics, athletics and leadership in an effort to revitalize the program.
Goodrich has already hit the ground running with all Akron programs
Goodrich has already evaluated the sports programs and is ready to sit down with the Zips coaches staff and will continue to evaluate things.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Zips introduce new athletics director Andrew T. Goodrich at news conference
Reporting by Brad Bournival, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
