COLLEGE STATION, Texas (University Relations)- Texas A&M Athletics Director Wally Groff advised University President Robert M. Gates on Friday that he plans to resign at the end of the year.
In a letter to Gates, Groff stated: "After much consideration and discussion with you this week, I wish to relinquish my duties as Athletic Director of Texas A&M University, effective Dec. 31, 2002. I am making this decision now in order to allow you the opportunity to begin assembling your own management team."
"With regret, I accept your decision to step down," Gates responded in a letter to Groff, a 1964 Texas A&M graduate.
"You have given 37 years of distinguished and devoted service to this university, and your countless friends here will miss your leadership," Gates said in his letter to Groff. "The integrity, sound management practices, success and exemplary sportsmanship with which you have led our athletic program are recognized and admired throughout the Big 12 and the NCAA. You have represented us with distinction in your participation in those and other athletic organizations. You have the esteem of all who have worked with and for you over the years."
Gates told Groff that if the search process to select a successor could not be completed by Dec. 31, he would appreciate Groff delaying the effective date of his resignation until a successor is selected.
"I feel I leave the Athletic Department with a strong foundation on which to build, particularly in the areas of finance, compliance, gender equity, diversity and facilities," Groff noted. "I am excited about the recently initiated study concerning access to academic programs for student-athletes."
He said all of those factors "will allow our coaches to be much more competitive in the recruiting process in years to come."
"I will treasure my 37 years with the Texas A&M Athletic Department and the opportunities I have been afforded as an employee of the University," Groff added. "My association with the athletic administration, coaching staff, student-athletes and Aggie athletic supporters has been very important to me and my family. I wish the best to the Texas A&M athletic family for future success."
In terms of succession, Gates said that a committee will be appointed to conduct a nationwide search for the best possible successor to Groff as athletic director.