Francois Accepts Associate AD Post at Drake
Southern Oregon University Director of Athletics, Dr. Dennis Francois, will step down December 1 to assume the position of Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs at Drake University.
Francois, who became SOU’s athletic director in June 2005, will oversee the external operations of sport marketing, sports information, ticketing, and the annual fund, and serve as the liaison between the athletic department and the Drake Sports Network for the NCAA Division I university located in Des Moines, Iowa.
In Francois’ three-plus years at Southern, the Iowa native has led major transformations in the internal and external operations for the Raiders including key facility upgrades and dramatic increases in revenue production.
“Our accomplishments have come through the hard work and support of a lot of great people,” said Francois. “We have been blessed to attract some outstanding coaches and develop numerous corporate and personal relationships that have allowed us to provide our student-athletes with a better Southern experience.”
Athletic scholarship support has increased by 80 percent, external marketing revenue has increased nearly 20-fold, student fee support has increased over 75 percent, and Raider Club fundraising increased 50 percent during Francois’ tenure as Director of Athletics and Executive Director of the Raider Club.
Francois was instrumental in securing funding for the new Lithia scoreboard for Raider Stadium and major upgrades of the Daniel Meyer Fitness Center. Other accomplishments include the reestablishment of the SOU Sports Hall of Fame, development of an athletic academic support services program, formation of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and the development of hospitality functions at Raider athletic events.
“I would like to thank Dr. Elisabeth Zinser for giving me the opportunity to come to SOU over three years ago. My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Rogue Valley and will forever cherish the friendships that we have developed,” stated Francois. “I am extremely excited to join the Drake family and work with Athletic Director Sandy Hatfield-Clubb. She has incredible passion and I am dedicated to fulfilling her vision of developing world class leaders through sport.”
Associate Director of Athletics Matt Sayre will serve as Interim Director of Athletics upon Francois’ departure.