Don Harnum

Don Harnum, interim director of athletics at Rider University for the past six months, has been named director of athletics effective immediately, University President Mordechai Rozanski announced today.

Harnum, a resident of Bordentown, was one of more than 50 candidates who responded to Rider’s national search. A search committee of coaches, staff, faculty, alumni and a student-athlete was instrumental in identifying and interviewing the semifinalist and finalist candidates.

“Don competed for and earned the position,” President Rozanski said. “He demonstrated vision and strong leadership qualities and was impressive in his understanding of the importance of athletics within Rider’s strategic plan. I look forward to working with Don as he leads the athletics department during this exciting time of renewal for the University.

“I also want to express my appreciation to the search committee members for their hard work and commitment throughout this process,” he added.

Harnum stepped aside as head men’s basketball coach to become interim director of athletics in September following Curt Blake’s retirement August 31 after 14 years as Rider’s director of athletics. Tommy Dempsey, then an assistant coach, was appointed interim men’s basketball coach for the 2005-06 season.

“It was difficult to leave the sidelines,” Harnum said. “But having been a part of the bigger picture for the last several months, I feel I can make a positive contribution to Rider, the athletics program, and most importantly, to the lives of our more than 350 student-athletes. This is a time of unprecedented growth at the University, and it is exciting to be a part of it as director of athletics.”

Harnum coordinated several initiatives during his term as interim athletics director. He led the creation of the new Athletics Hall of Fame display, oversaw renovations to the Alumni Gym lobby, established a new post-game media protocol, improved Web site content and game note presentations, and increased corporate sponsorships and donor support. He has also been involved in the planning and design of a new Rider athletics arena. He serves as a member of the Mercer Sports Organizing Committee as Rider and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) host the 2006 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament first and second rounds at Sovereign Bank Arena this week.

Harnum joined Rider’s athletics department in 1989 as an assistant men’s basketball coach and has steadily risen through the ranks. He became associate head coach in 1993 and head men’s basketball coach in 1997 following the departure of Kevin Bannon, a Rider Athletics Hall of Fame coach.

As head coach, Harnum led the Broncs to two MAAC titles in four years and to the first championship game appearance in Rider’s MAAC history. He was named 2002 MAAC Coach of the Year.

He recruited and coached 2002 MAAC Player of the Year, Mario Porter, and recruited 13 All-Rookie Team members, including MAAC Rookie of the Year and 2,000-point career scorer, Jerry Johnson. He also guided his team to its first National Invitation Tournament bid in his first year as head coach. His overall record stands at 127-104.

Harnum is particularly proud of establishing a 100 percent graduation rate for seniors during his coaching years at Rider.