Fortosis Blends New NCAA Role Into Busy Schedule

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - If you have been trying to find a moment with Eckerd College’s Director of Athletics, you may have to take a number.

Dr. Bob Fortosis, who assumed the reigns as the college’s second full-time AD in the Fall of 2003 has seen his list of responsibilities grow and expand tremendously since first coming to St. Petersburg almost five years ago. Those responsibilities are not only limited to Eckerd College but have recently expanded into the national realm with the NCAA as Fortosis earned a coveted spot on the Division II Management Council.

The Management Council is the NCAA’s day-to-day operations committee that assures member institutions that Division II is operating fairly and efficiently.

“I believe that a college athletics program exists as an integral part of college life,” Fortosis said. “Athletics is designed to serve the larger educational mission of the college as well as give co-curricular expression to the supporting cast of values which underwrites the college’s mission.”

“Although my schedule does fill up quickly with the travel and commitment involved with being on the Division II Management Council, I will always make time for the members of my Triton team,” Fortosis said, reinforcing his commitment to Eckerd and his staff.

Fortosis was joined on the council by three other newcomers; Frances Nee, associate athletics director at Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Butch Raymond, commissioner of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference; and Willie Washington, director of athletics at Benedict College.

“I can never say it enough; I have assembled a great team here at Eckerd and will look to use some of the knowledge I gain as I travel to other institutions within Division II to help further the advancement of the Eckerd Student-Athlete and widen the breadth of understanding for my coaches involving the NCAA.”

The four new members complete a 25-member Management Council whose responsibilities include:
- Implement policies adopted by the Association’s Executive Committee and the Division II Presidents Council.
- Make recommendations to the Division II Presidents Council on appropriate matter.
- Take final action on matters delegated to it by the Division II Presidents Council.
- Make interpretations of the bylaws of Division II.
- Recommend amendments, administrative bylaws and regulations to govern Division II.
- Review appeals by member institutions of decisions made by a Division II committee of the NCAA staff regarding the application of NCAA legislation.