AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy today announced an extension and change in the employment agreement with Athletics Director Bruce Van De Velde.
Effective July 1, 2005, Van De Velde will become an "exempt Professional and Scientific" employee rather than a contract employee. Van De Velde has worked under contract since he joined Iowa State Nov. 15, 2000. His contract expires June 30, 2005.
"This change makes the employment agreement with the athletics director consistent with that of other senior administrators who report directly to me," Geoffroy said. "Bruce and I agreed to this change during our recent conversations about his contract."
Under terms of the contract, Van De Velde and Geoffroy were required to begin discussions about a new or extended contract by June 30, 2004. "It was important for us to complete this discussion now so that Bruce can focus on preparations for the 2004-05 athletics season," Geoffroy said.
"Bruce has done an excellent job of leading the Athletics Department, particularly through the very serious budget challenges that the university and the department have faced. He has taken positive steps to increase revenue while also being mindful of the interests of our fans and the welfare of our student-athletes, and I have confidence in his continued leadership of our athletics program," Geoffroy said.
Professional and Scientific (P&S) is a category of employment at Iowa State that includes administrators, staff, some researchers and others. Exempt P&S employees serve at the pleasure of their supervisors, and they are evaluated annually against a set of performance objectives established by their supervisors.
Van De Velde's predecessor, Gene Smith, held a similar exempt P&S appointment.
"I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue serving as athletics director at Iowa State," Van De Velde said. "I am extremely proud of our staff and the efforts they make on behalf of our student-athletes."
As athletics director, Van De Velde manages a $27 million budget that includes 11 intercollegiate sports for women and seven for men.