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Wednesday, November 20, 2024
"Turmoil and Dirty Laundry" -- UH Athletic Director Craig Angelos Suddenly Ousted
By News Release @ 1:12 AM :: 2081 Views :: Higher Education, Tourism

Statement regarding Athletic Director Craig Angelos

from UH News, November 19, 2024

This is a confidential personnel matter. The University of Hawaiʻi confirms that Mr. Angelos’ final day as the UH Mānoa athletic director is December 1. Effective December 2, Associate Athletic Director Lois Manin will serve as the acting athletic director. An announcement about a future search will be made by incoming UH President Wendy Hensel after the new year.

President David Lassner met regularly with AD Angelos since he was hired, as he does with all his direct reports. Lassner made the decision to part ways with Angelos based on performance. This action is taking place now following the completion of the search for the new UH president.

Lassner is appreciative that Angelos is remaining through December 1 to assist with the transition. The University remains grateful for his efforts and his dedication to UH Mānoa athletics, and wishes him the very best in the future.

The University of Hawaiʻi

  *   *   *   *   *

Craig Angelos Statement, Nov 19, 2024

LINK Craig Angelos on X: "I was completely blindsided when I learned of the outgoing President's decision" / X

When I said it would be a dream to serve as the Athletics Director at the University of Hawai’i—I  truly meant it. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here, I loved the people and this community. That’s why I was completely blindsided when I learned of the outgoing President’s decision to part ways. When I asked for the reason, he cited my performance—a response that absolutely shocked me because I thought things had been going pretty well for our athletics department.

In a short amount of time, I believe we accomplished so much like creating new revenue streams, hiring a ticket sales team, revamping fundraising efforts, focusing on NIL initiatives, navigating the effects of the NCAA House settlement, securing a place in the Mountain West Conference while eliminating travel subsidies, arranging charter flights for the football team, negotiating a record-breaking apparel deal, developing a facilities master plan, collaborating with the stadium authority on the new Aloha Stadium project, and balancing the budget for the past two years.

There is still much more to be done, but I thought we were on the right track.

I understand some may wonder if there were other factors contributing to the separation, especially if my performance seemed to be going well. I want to assure everyone that there is no “smoking gun” here—no hint of impropriety or malfeasance, either personally or professionally. I have always treated people with kindness and respect and have done what is best for the athletic department at all times.

While my record speaks for itself, I remain grateful to the President for hiring me and giving me the opportunity to serve as the Athletic Director at the University of Hawai’i. It was truly an honor.

As I move forward, I want to sincerely thank everyone for their support. I am especially grateful to the student-athletes, head and assistant coaches, staff, tremendous donors, the Board of Regents, legislators, and all the friends of the program. Throughout my time here, I always felt a tremendous amount of support from them.

I loved being here and am truly saddened to be leaving. Nevertheless, I depart with my head held high, grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this community. I take pride in knowing we did things the right way and achieved meaningful results. Now, it’s time to move forward and seek the next great opportunity in intercollegiate athletics—a career I have loved for 30 years.

So for the last time….Go Bows!!!!

  *   *   *   *   *

Decision to fire AD Angelos reaffirmed during regents meeting

SA: … Despite testimonies of support, the decision to fire Craig Angelos as the University of Hawaii’s athletic director was reaffirmed during today’s monthly Board of Regents meeting at UH’s Bachman Hall.

The regents heard testimony from five people, including three student-athletes, who spoke of their support of Angelos’ leadership and asked to rescind his dismissal.

But there was little chance of a reversal. The matter was not on the agenda, and the regents did not question UH president David Lassner’s decision.

The only query came from board chairman Gabe Lee, who was asked if it was Lassner or Angelos who steered most of UH’s sports into the Mountain West and negotiated the discontinuation of the travel subsidies the Rainbow Warriors paid to visiting MW football teams. Lassner acknowledged the league presidents, who represent their schools on the Executive Council, make the decisions involving the Mountain West.

On May 18, 2023, Angelos was hired on an at-will agreement, meaning he would be without a contract — or buyout — while reporting to Lassner. The agreement did not provide for incentive bonuses. Lassner also was empowered to dismiss Angelos without cause. Angelos had said he agreed to the management-loaded arrangement because he was confident his work would merit extensive employment. Four months later, Lassner announced he would retire at the end of 2024.

This July, Angelos underwent a “360” evaluation, a standard annual review for at-will employees. Internal and external colleagues and associates provide feedback, which is then sent to the employee’s supervisor. In Angelos’ case, the supervisor is Lassner. Lassner shared the results with Angelos, and provided a list of shortcomings that needed to be addressed. Lassner and Angelos met twice a month during the 18-month employment to discuss his status.

Lassner decided to suspend action on Angelos while UH searched for the next president. Wendy Hensel was offered the president’s job in October. She will begin her tenure in January.

Last week, Lassner told Angelos he would not be retained. His last day as AD is Dec. 1, after which associate AD Lois Manin will be promoted to acting athletic director. Manin was a finalist when Angelos was selected but has said she will not apply to become his permanent replacement. The search for a permanent AD will begin after Hensel takes office.

“I can certainly believe that he felt blindsided by the separation at this time, but to believe that my evaluation and feedback was never discussed would be a false assumption,” Lassner said….

read … Decision to fire AD Angelos reaffirmed during regents meeting

COVERAGE:

Analysis: University of Hawaii AD on the way out? | Honolulu Star-Advertiser -- Angelos has not been able to repair the estranged relationship between certain lawmakers and UH; have influence in hastening a contract between the state and potential builders of Aloha Stadium’s replacement; secure large donations from companies on the continent; or receive funding for on-campus projects. He also has clashed with several staff members over his assignments and management style.

Many frustrated with Angelos ousting as UH Athletics Director | KHON2

Athletic Director Craig Angelos ousted from UH-Mānoa | Ka Leo | manoanow.org

State lawmakers 'surprised' following sudden firing of UH Athletics Director

Firing of Angelos made official by UH 'based on performance'

SA: UH athletic director Angelos is ‘blindsided’ by his ouster | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

SA: Dave Reardon: Craig Angelos didn’t get a fair shot | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

 

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