After serving as Tulane’s Athletic director for 15 years, Rick Dickson announced his decision to retire in May of 2016, according to TulaneGreenWave.com.
Before becoming the Green Wave’s athletic director, Dickson came to Tulane from Washington State, where he served as athletics director from 1994-2000 and he spent six years prior as athletics director of his alma mater, The University of Tulsa.
Since 2000, Dickson has lead the Green Wave’s athletic program through tough and trying times throughout it’s recent history, including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The storm destroyed a large portion of the state of Louisiana and almost destroyed Tulane’s athletic facilities.
“Rick has the devotion, respect and love of the Tulane University community,” Tulane President Mike Fitts said. “Among his many achievements is bringing Green Wave athletics back from the evacuation of 300 student-athletes and the subsequent shutdown of several programs in 2005, to a full complement of 16 teams in 2007. Rick has been a tremendous resource to me as a new president and has helped me understand the complex issues surrounding intercollegiate athletics. I will miss him.”
Dickson leaves an athletics program after joining the American Athletic Conference, opening Yulman Stadium along with building and renovating other facilities, including Greer Field at Turchin Stadium, Avron B. Fogelman Arena at Devlin Fieldhouse and the Hertz Center.
During Dickson’s tenure, Tulane athletics have seen tremendous success. Green Wave teams have won 41 C-USA titles and advanced to NCAA postseason play 36 times, including two bowl games (2002, 2013), the 2001 and 2005 College World Series and the 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2014 NCAA Women’s Golf Championships.
“When I look back on my 29 years in this business, my fondest memories are those I made at Tulane,” Dickson said. “I am most proud of what this program has done to transform the lives of so many of the young men and women who have worn a Green Wave uniform during my time here. I will miss them, my staff and coaches the most.”
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
