The University of Denver welcomed a new member to its athletic family when Chancellor Daniel L. Ritchie appointed Peg Bradley-Doppes as director of Athletics and Recreation last week.

A board of 23 members, led by DU trustee Phil Hogue and composed of faculty, coaches, staff and alumni, selected Doppes from more than 80 applicants.

“I feel humbled that I was selected and a sense of responsibility to continue the momentum and to continue to build on our tradition,” said Doppes. “When I look at the growth and development that has taken place at Denver, and I look at the quality people who have made that happen, I want to be a part of it.”

Doppes, who starts her job July 1, had been director of athletics at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) since August 1999.

Last October, the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) named her Division I-AAA Administrator of the Year.

“I am a resource, a facilitator and I put others needs before mine. Both as a coach and as an administrator, the student comes first, then everyone else associated with the students,” said Doppes.

She added, “I believe athletics and recreation enhance your life; it enhances a university and its community.”

During Doppes’ first five years at UNCW, Seahawk teams earned 14 conference championships and made eight post-season appearances. In addition, from 1999 to 2004 UNCW had the highest student-athlete graduation rates for all Division I schools without football.

Also the senior associate athletic director at the University of Michigan prior to her stint at UNCW, Doppes brings 14 years total of administrative experience to DU and has already mapped out a plan of attack upon her arrival.

“I hope to start working on an endowed scholarship campaign to ensure that our student athletes and coaches have the scholarship funding necessary to be the best they can be,” said Doppes.

Her drive to work with student athletes as an administrator can be traced back to the 11 years she devoted to coaching.

“After my first year out of college when I was the head volleyball and head softball coach at Miami University I knew. Coaching is teaching, teaching is coaching and I loved feeling like I could make a positive difference,” said Doppes.

Doppes coached at the University of Michigan, Miami University in Ohio and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill after earning a bachelor’s degree from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Ohio.

She holds a master’s degree in health and physical education from Miami University in Ohio.

Her accomplishments helped to secure her a seat on the NCAA’s Management Council in 2003 and lead to the discovery of a common stomping ground with DU.

“I was impressed with the leadership, the quality faculty, staff and athletes that I met,” said Doppes. “I believe our Athletic Department at Denver is very strong. I am most proud of the fact that our successes have been done the right way, with a commitment to integrity, and commitment to excellence.”

Doppes will replace DU interim director Stu Halsall of his duties. Halsall said he is hopeful to continue working with the program.

“I hope that the University of Denver will want me to remain here as I have

loved every minute of my six years here,” said Halsall.

He added, “I believe we have so many opportunities in front of us that I want to be a part of those. I am looking forward to working with Peg and continuing to move athletics and recreation and the university to greater heights.”

Halsall took over when Dr. M. Dianne Murphy became Athletic Director at Columbia University in November 2004.

“I was honored that the Chancellor asked me to be in this role and I have given

my best and will continue to do so through July 1. I viewed it as an opportunity to learn and I am very thankful for that,” said Halsall.

Doppes sentiments toward Chancellor Ritchie are equally cordial and she will have the opportunity to convey them as a Senior University Administrator on his senior management team.

“I am excited to be a member of his senior management team because they have a shared vision and they have been instrumental in the growth, development and success at Denver,” said Doppes.

Her gratitude also extends out to every aspect and person associated with DU as she integrates into the community.

“To really know and get a great feel for Denver, I want to reach out and connect with the faculty, staff and the students,” said Doppes. “I want to meet with our alumni and have a chance to see Denver through their eyes and experiences. Developing relationships take time and trust, I want to get started as quickly as possible in being part of the DU community.”

Most importantly Doppes knows that even though success is most easily measured with statistics, the most accomplished programs always conduct business and perform with consistency.

“Winning is a byproduct of doing the little things the right way, day after day,” said Doppes. “By doing things the right way, the university, our alumni, our coaches and most importantly our students will feel good about our Pioneer Athletic program.”

Halsall took over when M. Dianne Murphy became athletic director at Columbia University in November 2004.

“I was honored that the chancellor asked me to be in this role and I have given my best and will continue to do so through July 1,” said Halsall. “I viewed it as an opportunity to learn and I am very thankful for that.”

Doppes will also serve on Richie’s senior management team.

“I am excited [to be a member of his senior management team] because they have a shared vision and they have been instrumental in the growth, development and success at Denver,” said Doppes.

“To really know and get a great feel for Denver, I want to reach out and connect with the faculty, staff and the students,” she said. “I want to meet with our alumni and have a chance to see Denver through their eyes and experiences. Developing relationships takes time and trust, I want to get started as quickly as possible in being part of the DU community.”

Doppes said she knows that even though success is most easily measured with statistics, the most accomplished programs always conduct business and perform with consistency.

“Winning is a byproduct of doing the little things the right way, day after day,” said Doppes. “By doing things the right way, the university, our alumni, our coaches and most importantly our students will feel good about our Pioneer athletic programs.”