Lee Reed of Cleveland State University will bring his championship-winning experience to Georgetown as the university’s new athletic director, President John J. DeGioia announced April 15.
Reed will be Georgetown’s 17th athletic director effective May 10, when he will begin overseeing the 29 sports that make up the university’s intercollegiate athletics programs.
“Great athletic programs are coach-driven, student-athlete-centered and administration assisted,” said Reed, already wearing Georgetown’s blue and gray colors at a Thursday morning press conference. “What that says to me is that every single day at Georgetown University for our 750 student-athletes we will make long-term decisions that are in their best interest -- from an academic standpoint, from a social standpoint and certainly from a competitive standpoint.”
Reed’s selection as athletic director comes after a seven-month search. The Ohio resident impressed the search committee with his extensive experience, which includes advancing Cleveland State’s athletics program into the upper ranks of the Horizon League. During his eight-year tenure, the department captured 11 Horizon League championships and played in 15 NCAA championship games.
“I’m confident that [Reed] will bring the same commitment to competitiveness and academic success to Georgetown that made him a strong, successful leader in Cleveland,” DeGioia said.
During the search process, Reed met with many student-athletes to learn more about the department and individual programs.
“They spoke with one accord about the richness and traditions of Georgetown University, and it was clear during the process where this great institution was headed,” Reed said. “Like hand-in-glove, my background fits where this university is headed from an athletics perspective, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to be a part of this and have this wonderful opportunity.”
He vowed to work with athletics leaders, coaches and students to give student-athletes the best possible college experience.
“We are here to serve our student-athletes,” Reed said. “There is no more important mission than making sure that [they] have a first-class, wonderful college experience.”
Reed holds a master’s degree in sports administration from the University of New Mexico, and played as a four-year letterman in men’s basketball at Cleveland State -- serving as team captain for the 1982-83 season. He will relocate to the Washington, D.C., area with wife, Katafa, and their four children.
