Barry Alvarez's right hand man, Sean Frazier, was one of the finalists for the Rutgers athletic director position earlier this year and we all know how that fiasco turned out. It also made it clear that at some point in time Frazier would get the chance to lead his own department at the higher levels of collegiate athletics and on Tuesday that opportunity became reality as he was named the new Athletics Director at Northern Illinois University.
"In Sean Frazier, we have found a personable, honest, passionate, confident, experienced administrator who is committed to NIU and to the success of our student-athletes," Baker said in a statement released by the school. "He has built facilities, built programs and dealt with tough issues effectively as a director of athletics and as the deputy athletic director at an excellent program. He understands the changing NCAA environment, is a national leader in fostering diversity and brings an inspiring and engaging leadership style that will build bridges with the local community and with our many constituencies."
This isn't Frazier's first go around as a leader of a department though, as he previously has been the AD at three other institutions before his last six years at Wisconsin, which saw him rise up to the rank of deputy athletic director under Alvarez.
So, why jump at this opportunity now? Frazier sees it as a perfect match for himself.
"The fit, for me, was perfect," Frazier said. "When I look at Northern Illinois University and Huskie Athletics, I see a community that reflects who I am as an administrator. Entering the process, I saw a lot of similarities between what is needed to take that next step at NIU, and what I have been able to bring to some of the jobs I've held previously. At Wisconsin I gained the day-to-day, Division I experience, while my decision-making skills were honed there and as athletic director at three different institutions.
"I believe I can bring exactly what is needed to help take the program to the next level. There is excellence here and we need to capture it, capitalize on it and keep the momentum building."
Barry Alvarez had this to say about Frazier moving on and up in his career:
"Northern Illinois hired an outstanding individual, a very competent administrator, someone that I have relied on heavily in the last several years and someone that I have a great deal of confidence in. He is a strong administrator in all areas; he is an outstanding family man and someone who will be heavily involved in the community.
"I think Sean is one of the top authorities in the country on diversity. Sean deals with individuals very well; he is a strong leader and is someone I have given a lot of responsibility to. He has become a close friend and he has done an outstanding job here."
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