A Letter from Athletic Director Rick Dickson
 |  Director of Athletics Rick Dickson |
April 25, 2003
Dear Friend of Tulane Athletics,
As you may have read or heard, Tulane University has appointed a committee composed of members of the Board of Trustees to review the future of Green Wave Athletics at its current status of Division I-A. The committee is scheduled to deliver a report on its findings to the full Board at its next meeting, May 29th.
We do not know where those discussions will lead and what the answers will be. All options have been and will be discussed and reviewed. I have been assured, and I believe, that NO decisions have been made by the Board or by the ad hoc committee regarding Tulane Athletics at this point.
I believe the Tulane Athletics Department is a model Division I-A program in so many ways:
- Our student-athletes graduate (our 78% graduation rate in 2002 was among the Top 15 in the country);
- Our programs are competitive across the board -- with 23 Conference USA titles since 1996 and nine in the last three years alone, not to mention numerous NCAA and bowl appearances;
- Our coaching staff is top-notch and is dedicated to our program;
- Finally, it is my privilege every day to work with a group of fantastic young men and women who represent the school, the city and Tulane University in a first-class manner, whether they are in class, in the community or on the athletic fields.
This issue has, understandably, drawn a large response from the local community. But we want and need everyone's voice to be heard. The President's Office has set up an e-mail address and phone lines to take your comments and thoughts about Tulane Athletics. I am asking you to please take the time to contact the university either by email at feedback@tulane.edu, or you may call the University at 504-862-8020, or toll free at 1-888-862-8020. All responses will be heard and read.
This situation also provides an opportunity for fans, alumni and friends of Tulane Athletics to show their tangible support for their athletics program. It's a time to come together, buy season tickets, make a donation to the Tulane Athletics Fund and attend an athletic event. If you are a Tulane supporter, alumnus or simply someone who wants Division I-A athletics to remain in the city of New Orleans, now is the time to show it. Call 504-861-WAVE, 504-865-5356 or go to www.TulaneGreenWave.com for information on buying tickets and donating to T.A.F.
Thanks for your support and Roll Wave!
Sincerely,
Rick Dickson
Director of Athletics
