New Athletic Director Chris May knew about the controversial history of his position.
He knew about the micromanagement that had plagued the Saint Louis University athletic department in the past year and about the five-month vacancy of the position. Yet May said he is optimistic about the future of SLU athletics.
“The time couldn’t be better to be here … From the great student-athletes we have, to the high-caliber coaching and administrative staff, in addition to what I believe is one the top facilities in the country with Chafeitz, I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this program,” May said.
Before he came to SLU, May spent more than 22 years at the University of Colorado, where he was involved in activities such as marketing, corporate sponsorships, executive management of sports teams and fundraising.
“He’s going to bring a level of teamwork and a level of vision for the [SLU] program that will allow it to grow and be more respected regionally and nationally,” CU Athletic Director Mike Bohn said. “He has a competitive burn that will match [Men’s Basketball] Coach Majerus’ and others’ within the program.”
At the top of May’s to-do list is delivering a great athletics program to the SLU community, one that incorporates exceptional academics and delivers championship teams. He said he will draw upon his experience at Colorado to help SLU build its brand.
“Part of the challenge of intercollegiate athletics is delivering a program that gives great service for young people to succeed academically and athletically,” May said. “We plan on working together with coaches to form a program that does both.”
In addition to building up the athletic program, May stressed the need for community-wide outreach. He said Chafeitz Arena will aide in this endeavor, creating the opportunity for everyone to be involved in “a truly spectacular facility.”
“We will almost immediately go into the seating plan and process for Chafeitz, so I guess that’s what [May] will look at right out of the shoot,” said Doug McIlhagga, former interim Athletic Director for SLU. “Anytime you start somewhere new, there’s just a learning of the landscape. It’ll take time to connect with all of your significant doners, boosters and internal people on campus.”
McIlhagga also said that May’s success in corporate development “fills the bill” when it comes to selling SLU’s expanding athletic program.
While May delivers a successful program externally, he said he hopes to help cultivate a strong academic program internally.
“Academics is at the forefront of any institution of higher learning, especially ourselves,” May said. “Getting a good education and a good athletic experience are beneficial to both students and the university.”
May said the transition to SLU will be different, but that he has prepared many years for this opportunity.
“Certainly, it’ll be a different dynamic here,” May said. “But I’m thrilled to be leading the program to its next chapter. I truly believe the program is poised to take a step forward in the intercollegiate athletic landscape nationally.”
Bohn, who knew May throughout his whole tenure at CU, described him as “a piece of our foundation.” He said May is a 23-year employee with institutional knowledge, a well-respected member of the university and a family man with three kids and a wife that understands the enterprise.
“Chris represents all that is right about intercollegiate athletics,” Bohn said. “He’s going to provide a huge shot in the arm for Saint Louis University, and they are lucky to have him.”
