An Athletic Director's Story and the Future of College Sports in America

by Robert E. Mulcahy III, Robert Stewart (Editor), John Samerjan (Foreword by)

Overview

Robert Mulcahy’s chronicle of his decade leading Rutgers University athletics is an intriguing story about fulfilling a vision.  The goal was to expand pride in intercollegiate athletics.  Redirecting a program with clearer direction and strategic purpose brought encouraging results.  Advocating for finer coaching and improved facilities, he and Rutgers achieved national honors in Division I sports.  Unprecedented alumni interest and support for athletics swelled across the Rutgers community.
His words and actions were prominent during a nationally-reported incident involving student athletes.  When the Rutgers Women’s Basketball team players were slandered by racist remarks from a popular radio talk show host, Mulcahy met it head on.  With the coach and players, he set an inspiring example for defending character and values.
Though Mr. Mulcahy left Rutgers in 2009, his memoir reflects continued devotion to intercollegiate athletics and student athletes.  His insights for addressing several leading issues confronting Division I sports today offer guidelines for present and future athletic directors to follow.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781978802124
Publisher:	Rutgers University Press
Publication date:	02/14/2020
Edition description:	None
Pages:	258
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.20(d)
Age Range:	16 - 18 Years

About the Author

About Robert E. Mulcahy III
Bob Mulcahy has spent his entire career in service - since his days in the Navy following his graduation from Villanova University to his time as Chief of Staff to former NJ Governor Brendan Byrne, President & CEO of the Meadowlands and Athletic Director at Rutgers University. His love and pride for NJ has always been evident and is one of the biggest motivations behind his decision to accept the position as AD at Rutgers and bring the football program to the national stage. Bob was instrumental in the saving of the Pinelands, NJ hosting the World Cup and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, Pope John Paul II’s visit to celebrate mass at Giants Stadium, and bringing the NY Jets and the NHL Devils to New Jersey.

About Robert Stewart
Robert Stewart is the author of three acclaimed books on the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the sport of rowing in the United States. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and resides in Annapolis, MD.

About John Samerjan
John Samerjan is the Principal of JStrategies LLC, a public affairs consulting firm. He is a Part-Time Lecturer in the School of Communications and Information at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Samerjan served with Bob Mulcahy as Vice President of Public Affairs of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. He resides in Princeton.

Table of Contents

Foreword John Samerjan ix

Preface xxxiii

1 Why Rutgers? 1

2 On the Way to Rutgers 14

3 Long Overdue for Change 34

4 Rebuilding a Program 43

5 The Don Imus Incident 79

6 Upholding Traditions 87

7 Conferences: The Big East and The Big Ten 96

8 Choosing Coaches and Doing It Right 105

9 Proud, with No Regrets 142

10 After Rutgers, and Leading Issues for NCAA Sports 150

11 A Call for Values and Final Thoughts 187

Acknowledgments 203

Notes 205

Index 211

Editorial Reviews

"Chronicle of Higher Education Selected New Books on Higher Education"compiled by Ruth Hammond

Chronicle of Higher Education

From the creation of the Pinelands to the development of the Meadowlands, Bob Mulcahy was there. He brought Rutgers athletics to national prominence. A leader with intelligence and integrity. I have always valued Bob’s thoughts, advice and judgement. You will too!”

 

Governor of New Jersey, 1982-1990 - Thomas Kean

Sports Byline USA interview with Robert E. Mulcahy

Sports Byline USA

This book is about a man whose life has been marked by honesty and insightfulness. His candid look at Rutgers and College Athletics makes for an interesting, thoughtful and sometimes provocative read.”
 
 

Former Commissioner Big East Conference - Mike Tranghese

Bob and I shared a bond and a vision that is rare in this era of intercollegiate athletics. He took a chance on me and stood by me through thick and thin. Because of Bob Mulcahy, Rutgers is in the Big Ten Conference. For a man who loves Rutgers and all things New Jersey, what a legacy.”
 

Head Football Coach, Rutgers University, 2001-2011 - Greg Schiano

Throughout his journey of public service Bob led with integrity, adhering to high moral and ethical standards, characterized by an uncompromising compassion for others. His visionary leadership created a family-like sense of community at Rutgers, enabling us to pursue and achieve excellence. It was inspiring to coach during his administration and gratifying to have him share his wisdom and experiences with students in courses I taught. This book is a primer on effective leadership as well as a historical perspective of Rutgers athletics.”
 
 

Head Coach, Women’s Tennis, Rutgers University 1981-2003 - Marian Rosenwasser