Fresno State Athletics
Paul Oliaro Named Interim Athletics Director
2/28/2005 12:00:00 AM | General
Feb. 28, 2005
FRESNO, Calif. - California State University, Fresno, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Dr. Paul M. Oliaro, has been named as the university's interim Athletics Director.
President John D. Welty appointed Oliaro to fill the position until the completion of a national search and appointment of a new Athletics Director.
Last Friday (Feb. 25), Scott Johnson, Fresno State's current Athletics Director, announced his planned retirement after serving in that role for over four years, and after 24 years of service at the university. Johnson said he will be retiring from the university when his contract ends this summer.
The appointment of the interim director signals the start of the national search for a permanent replacement for Fresno State's Athletics Director.
Oliaro comes to the interim position with considerable experience in athletic administration. He currently serves as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Athletic Corporation at Fresno State, which oversees the fiscal operations of the athletic program. Oliaro also has served as a trustee of the Bulldog Foundation.
Dr. Robert M. Paull, M.D., will serve as acting vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students during the transition period. Paull currently is associate vice president for the Division of Student Affairs and director of University Health and Psychological Services.
At West Chester University in Pennsylvania, where he was vice president, Oliaro's duties included oversight of the school's Division II athletics program. West Chester is the second largest of the 14 colleges that compose the State System of Higher Education in Pennsylvania.
"I am pleased that Dr. Oliaro has agreed to take on this important role and can assist in the process of identifying a national leader for Fresno State Athletics," said President Welty.
Oliaro said he plans to initially focus on the needs of student-athletes at Fresno State. "During these few months of transition, we need to listen to student concerns while advancing the overall program," Oliaro said.
"Fresno State student-athletes have made great strides in both their academic and athletic accomplishments," Oliaro said. "I will make sure that progress continues and look forward to working with the Athletic Department staff as we move ahead."
Oliaro said he also will need to address the department's budget requirements for next year and will maintain the university's commitment to gender equity.
Oliaro was named Fresno State's Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the start of fall semester 2002. He directs some of the largest areas of university operations, including enrollment services, university health and psychological services, federal student programs, campus discipline, academic advising and other academic support services, student activities and recreation, career services, the women's center, services for students with disabilities and the University Student Union.
Oliaro also serves as chairman of the campus Alcohol Advisory Council and is co-chair of the Student Success Task Force with the Provost.
Oliaro received his bachelor's degree in psychology from St. Mary's College in Winona, Minn., and attained his master's degree and Ph.D. in higher education administration at Michigan State University.
In 2004, he received the California State University "Leadership Excellence Award" for his efforts to reduce alcohol abuse among college students.
