Colorado University Athletics
Tharp Steps Down As Athletic Director
November 22, 2004 | General
BOULDER - Dick Tharp, the University of Colorado athletic director since 1996, submitted his letter of resignation Monday morning to campus provost Phil DiStefano.
Tharp, 56, was only the fourth athletic director in CU history, as he succeeded his good friend, Bill Marolt, when Marolt was named chief operating officer of U.S. Skiing. Marolt held the position between 1984 and 1996, and he followed Eddie Crowder (1965-1984) and Harry Carlson (1927-65).
His resignation is effective a week from Tuesday, November 30.
"I have learned from years of experience that, at a certain point, the fight over the individual will drain energy from the cause of making the best arrangements for the University's students and programs," Tharp said. "In the matter of intercollegiate athletics, we may now have reached that point. In the current state of distrust of a concern over the operations of this University, healing might be better achieved by my resignation."
"My offer should not in any way be construed as an admission to having engaged in any activity of wrongdoing," he added. "When completely investigated, I feel the record will show that I performed my duties responsibly and in the best interests of the Department of Athletics and the University of Colorado."
DiStefano released the following statement regarding Tharp's resignation:
"Today, I received a letter from Athletics Director Dick Tharp, tendering his resignation effective Nov. 30, 2004. With the concurrence of Chancellor Richard Byyny and President Elizabeth Hoffman, I accepted his resignation.
"Dick Tharp, who has served the University in key positions over many years, offered his resignation in the best interests of the University and his family. I wish to thank him publicly for his long service and commitment to the University of Colorado.
"As Athletic Director, Dick Tharp led the department in developing a strategic plan called Athletics Vision 2010 that provides a blueprint for promoting high standards in education, athletic competition, facilities, and relationships with our communities. In addition to his service to CU, Dick Tharp has played an important leadership role in the NCAA Management Council and in the Big 12 Conference.
"Among the next steps will be the process of selecting an interim Athletics Director who will lead the department as we conduct a national search for the permanent position.
"I am confident that CU-Boulder will continue its strong progress in implementing the Athletics Action Plan announced in May. We remain committed to the guiding principles of the Action Plan, which focus on the integration of athletics into the campus, the well-being of student-athletes, a clear understanding of expectations and accountability, an emphasis on ethical conduct, and competitive performance with integrity and sportsmanship."
The department achieved several successes under Tharp's leadership, winning the fourth-most Big 12 Conference titles (20) in the nine-year existence of the league, as well as four cross country national championships (including two on Monday), and two in skiing. Several capital improvements have taken place in his tenure, the pearl being the $41 million addition of suites and club seats to Folsom Field, along with the South Campus tennis complex. Tharp also pioneered the development of Athletics 2010, a comprehensive plan for the department to achieve ultimate success academically and athletically.
He enjoyed a long association with the Boulder campus, dating back to his days as a student in CU's School of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate degree in 1973. Following his graduation from CU, he became the school's assistant university counsel, a position he held until 1976, when he was named acting university counsel. He remained in that capacity through 1983. He left CU in 1984 to become a full-time partner with the Boulder law firm of Martin and Mehaffy, a firm he had been a partner in since 1976. He worked with Martin and Mehaffy exclusively until 1989, when he returned to CU after being named vice president and university counsel by then-President Dr. Gordon Gee. He spent six years in that capacity before returning to his private practice.
CU President Elizabeth Hoffman and CU-Boulder Chancellor Richard Byyny issued the following joint statement:
"We accept Athletics Department Director Dick Tharp's resignation. We would like to thank Dick for his many years of service to this university and we wish him well in his future endeavors."
"Dick Tharp loves Boulder, the University of Colorado, its student-athletes and its coaches," said head football coach Gary Barnett. "Under very difficult restrictions and limitations, Dick found a way to keep the CU athletic program competitive in Division I and the Big 12 Conference, as evidenced by the men's and women's cross country programs both winning national titles today.
"I personally have appreciated working for a man who cares about the student-athlete as a total person, through adverse financial constraints, in supporting us," Barnett added. "Only someone who has walked in his shoes can fully appreciate Dick's labors on behalf of CU athletics."
Tharp informed the entire athletic department staff of his decision at a 10:45 a.m. meeting, with the university following with the announcement shortly thereafter. He addressed the staff for about five minutes, with the main message to remain committed to the success of the student-athletes. He then received a standing ovation upon leaving the Dal Ward Auditorium.
"It is my hope that the citizens of this state will revive their enthusiasm for the talented student athletes and for their flagship university," Tharp said.
"I have been fortunate to have an association with this institution and its dedicated staff and faculty for over 34 years. I will remain grateful for the rewards of being in the company of young people as they strive to learn and succeed."
