Teague named VCU athletic director

Norwood Teague answers questions at the news conference announcing his appointment as VCU's Director of Athletics. Photo by Jennifer Watson, VCU Creative Services

RICHMOND, Va. (April 17, 2006) – Virginia Commonwealth University President Dr. Eugene P. Trani today announced the selection of Norwood T. Teague as VCU Director of Athletics, effective July 1. 

Since 2001, Teague has been the associate athletic director for marketing at the University of North Carolina, responsible for the marketing of all 28 Tar Heel sports and overseeing the athletic department’s licensing operations.

“Norwood came through spectacularly among a field of strong candidates from across the country and there’s no question we’ve made the right decision,” said Trani. “My goal for VCU Athletics is to be nationally competitive in every sport and Norwood is the person to take us there. He’s going to be great for VCU.”

Teague’s sports marketing experience is extensive.  He served as the general manager of the Sun Devil Sports Network at Arizona State University from 1999-2001, where he managed and coordinated the network’s radio, television, Internet and signage operations. He was the director of marketing for the University of Virginia Athletics from 1992-1995 and was the director of basketball operations for the Cavaliers from 1995-1998.  Teague also was the director of new programs for Vilcom Sports and the Tar Heel Sports Network from 1998-1999.

“This is a great time for VCU academics and athletics, which for an AD’s job, makes this a 10,” Teague said.  “I’m eager to get going, to dive in here and in the community.  It has been a long process and I’m thrilled to be here.”

Teague has been described as an energetic, visionary leader with exceptional management skills.

“Norwood Teague has the background, the experience, the creativity and drive to succeed as Virginia Commonwealth University’s new director of athletics.  He will bring the same type of innovative style and leadership that Dick Sander has provided at VCU,” said Craig Littlepage, director of athletics, University of Virginia. “VCU Athletics is in good hands.”

Teague replaces Dr. Richard L. Sander, who is retiring after 20 years as VCU director of athletics. Sander will remain at VCU as an assistant to the president and director of the VCU SportsCenter, a graduate program that offers a Master’s Degree in sports leadership.

Teague, 40, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and communication from the University of North Carolina in 1988. He received a Master of Arts degree in sports administration from Ohio University in 1992.

VCU’s 16 varsity sports compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Colonial Athletic Association. In recent years, VCU has participated in NCAA tournaments in basketball, baseball, golf, volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s tennis.