University President Tania Tetlow announced in an email on Nov. 18 that the position of director of intercollegiate athletics and recreation has been filled by Charles Guthrie, formerly the athletic director at the University of Akron.
After an extensive search led by Vice President for Development and University Relations Roger Milici and a committee of students, administrators, faculty and alumni, the university selected Guthrie based on his impressive track record.
“He is renowned for coaching his coaches, mentoring student-athletes, exciting donors, and rallying university communities around the thrill of student achievements. He brings strategic vision and a deep commitment to our mission,” Tetlow said.
Before his time at Akron, Guthrie served as the director of athletics at The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and before that, at Clark College.
Charles comes to Fordham from the University of Akron where he served as the athletic director (AD). During his time in Ohio, Guthrie spearheaded a 10-year partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital to ensure accessible healthcare for all Akron students. Now, Akron Children’s Hospital is the sole healthcare provider for the university.
Additionally, Guthrie recruited one of the most diverse senior leadership staffs in the Football Bowl Subdivision, hired the first woman director of track and field and the first woman of color to coach women’s lacrosse in program history, according to Fordham Sports.
Before his time at Akron, Guthrie served as the director of athletics at The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and before that, at Clark College.
“In every program he’s led, Charles has created an impressive record of caring for the student-athletes, coaches, and athletic staff, promoting a culture of athletic and academic achievement, while building excitement from donors,” Tetlow told Fordham Sports.
Fordham athletics have seen great success this year as water polo completed an undefeated regular season and men’s soccer secured a spot in NCAA tournament play. As we look to the second half of the year, Guthrie’s expertise will add to the success that has been seen across all Fordham playing fields.
“I am committed to working steadfastly on behalf of our students, coaches, and the Fordham community to build on the University’s tradition of excellence both on and off the field,” Guthrie told Fordham Sports.
Guthrie is originally from Albany and is an alum of Syracuse University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in political science, and an alum of the University of Albany, where he received his master’s degree in education administration and policy studies.
“Returning to New York and joining an institution as prestigious as Fordham is a full-circle moment in my life,” Guthrie told Fordham Sports.
The new AD makes his return to New York alongside his spouse and two children.
Guthrie will officially begin his tenure at Fordham on Dec. 1.
