San Francisco State University names Charles Guthrie as new Athletic Director

SAN FRANCISCO, May 14, 2014 – Charles Guthrie, director of athletics at Clark College of Vancouver, Wash., has been selected to lead the Department of Athletics effective July 1, San Francisco State University announced today.

Guthrie will take charge of an NCAA Division II program that has more than 250 student athletes competing in 12 athletic programs: men’s and women’s basketball; baseball; men’s and women’s soccer; softball; volleyball; women’s indoor and outdoor track and field; men’s and women’s cross country; and wrestling. All teams compete in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, except for wrestling, which is in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

The new appointment comes at a critical time, with SF State athletics a renewed priority for the school administration. “San Francisco State University has a strong history of athletic excellence, and during the 1950s and ’60s was one of the pre-eminent athletic programs on the West Coast,” said Vice President for University Advancement Robert J. Nava. “We will look to re-establish this and once again become a premier Division II athletics program. Charles Guthrie’s experience and proven leadership will elevate the Gator program to the next level of competitiveness. I’m delighted that he will serve as our athletic director.”

Under Guthrie’s leadership, 10 of 11 sports programs at Clark College made post-season appearances this past year. Guthrie also oversaw fundraising, branding and Title IX issues. He has held senior positions in athletic and advancement departments at the California State University, Los Angeles; California State University, San Marcos; and the University of California, San Diego. “My goal is to get the SF State community to take ownership of the program,” he said. “Even though I have experience in the CSU and working in California, each of the 23 schools is different. I want to come in and listen and learn, find out what are the needs, what we want to prioritize. Then I expect to come up with strategy and a business plan. … We will be committed to providing a top-notch experience for our students, fans and the community at large.”

Guthrie has a master’s degree in education administration and policy studies from the University at Albany, the State University of New York, and a bachelor’s from Syracuse University.

Learn more about San Francisco State University athletics at: http://www.sfstategators.com/

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SF State is the only master's-level public university serving the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin. The University enrolls nearly 30,000 students each year and offers nationally acclaimed programs in a range of fields -- from creative writing, cinema, biology and history to broadcast and electronic communication arts, theatre arts and ethnic studies. The University's more than 219,000 graduates have contributed to the economic, cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond.