Glass Stepping Down at IU

After more than a decade at the helm of the Indiana University athletics department, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Fred Glass today announced he is retiring at the end of the academic year. 

“It’s time,” said Glass. “It’s an all-in, all-consuming role, and I’ve loved it, but I’m ready to step back and do something that keeps me closer to home with more time with my granddaughters and the rest of my family.” 

IU says Glass recently advised university President Michael McRobbie of his decision to retire. McRobbie called Glass’ tenure “superb.” 

“He has done an outstanding job in all areas of his portfolio and IU is seeing levels of accomplishment academically and athletically by its student-athletes that rank with the best it has ever achieved,” said McRobbie. “His legacy will be one of strong and competitive athletics programs and teams that play by the rules, a pervasive commitment to compliance and integrity, a commitment to excellent academic performance, record fund-raising and magnificent new or renovated facilities.” 

A national search will now begin to find his successor. The university said McRobbie would soon announce the members of a search committee to find Glass’ successor. 

The committee will be chaired by IU Vice President for Government Relations and Economic Engagement Bill Stephan. 

Glass was hired by IU to be the athletic director in 2009. Reflecting on his time at IU, Glass said he feels the organization has rebuilt IU Athletics both culturally and physically. 

“Competitively, most of our programs are doing historically well, and the futures are bright for all of our sports,” said Glass. 

The AD points to the football season which had its best regular season in 26 years, its first winning Big Ten season in 26 years and it has been to a bowl for three out of the last five years. 

Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams have started strong with 10-1 records. Glass hired the head coaches of those programs. 

The university says under Glass’ reign, IU athletics has witnessed an improving Graduation Success Rate, climbing from 77% in 2011 to the current mark of 91%.

“We are graduating our students at a record rate.  We are an athletic department nationally known for the holistic care and development of our students,” said Glass. “I thank all of the students, coaches, faculty, staff, donors, and fans who have made this such a wonderful experience for me, and especially President McRobbie for giving me this opportunity and being such an engaged and supportive leader.”