The search for a new athletic director recently concluded. Scott Swain was announced as the permanent vice president of athletics on Monday.
Swain took on the role as the interim vice president this semester after former director John Ashalou and the university agreed to part ways. Ashalou is now the current vice president of athletics for Lewis University in Illinois.
Swain arrived from the recently closed and previous Mountain East Conference (MEC) school Notre Dame College.
“I’m really excited,” Swain said. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve really enjoyed working with the athletic coaches and athletic staff, and I enjoy the people…and the student-athletes that I’ve been able to get to know.”
The posting for the vice president of athletics job was put out in January.
In an announcement released to the entire university on Monday, the search committee unanimously decided on Swain for the position.
The search committee included several Point Park vice presidents, chairs and deans as well as two Students Tiana Lecker and Joey Bova were also on the committee.
“Scott possesses all the required qualifications for this position and has demonstrated the experience necessary to continue the success and development of our athletics programs at Point Park University,” Brussalis said in the announcement.
Director of Athletic Communications Kevin Taylor also spoke about Swain’s fitting background and qualifications for the position.
“He has all the experience in the world for what’s coming next for Point Park athletics,” Taylor said. “That’s what we need.”
Swain was one of the founding athletic directors of the MEC and helped transition Notre Dame College from the NAIA to NCAA Division II 12 years ago. The college announced their closing last month and Swain arrived at Point Park in January.
“I think it’d be good for the department with [his] experience, and I think it’ll push us to the right track,” sophomore sports communication major Tyler Beck said.
Swain shared his excitement directly following the public announcement on Monday.
“There’s so many positive things with Pioneer athletics that makes it a place where I’m where I want to be long term,” Swain said. “This news of my appointment I’m really excited about because the future’s really bright for all of us.”
In a meeting with The Globe two weeks ago, President Brussalis provided an update on the search process.
“We had over 100 applicants, which goes to show how competitive we are and how much stronger we will become,” Brussalis said.
Given his background, Swain will lead the athletic department through the transition from NAIA to the NCAA. He will also assist the department as they add men’s and women’s lacrosse and wrestling.
Officially joining the NCAA is a three-year process. The MEC board will vote on whether the university will be officially accepted into the conference in July.
The application fee for the MEC is $33,000. There is a one-time entrance fee of $50,000, and the annual fee to be in the MEC is $25,000. Currently, in the River States Conference, the university pays $2,500 in fees per sport, totaling the same yearly price of $25,000.
