Media Information - University of Idaho Athletics

Idaho Women’s Basketball 2008-09
Director of Athletics
Dr. Rob Spear
University of Great Falls, 1980
University of Montana, 1983
University of Idaho, 1993
Butte, Montana
Rob Spear assumed the lead of the University of Idaho athletic
department during a crucial juncture in its storied history.
The Vandals were seeking solidification of their conference status and their facilities were in need of modernization. They needed a
leader with vision and passion. Spear fit the bill.
First was securing a home in the Western Athletic Conference, a league that preserves historic rivalries and offers the benefits of a Division
I association. Next was rebuilding the Vandals’ home. He was on hand to oversee the final stages of the construction of the Iverson
Speed and Strength Center. Next were the playing surfaces – inside and out. The Vandals now have a SprinTurf practice facility outdoors
and RealGrass Pro inside the Kibbie Dome. The football, men’s and women’s basketball, and swimming locker rooms were renovated into
modern, stylish facilities for the student-athletes.
Ready this fall will be renovated athletic training and equipment rooms as well as state-of-the-art classrooms and meeting rooms. Those
projects, however, are the just start. Spear is leading a $52 million campaign that will change the face of the Kibbie Dome.
Facilities are but one area where Spear has moved the department forward. He added to the support services staff to enhance the student-athlete
experience. Computer labs and academic support staff are cornerstones of a successful department and the additions and
upgrades in those areas are paying dividends. In the fall of 2007, the Idaho Athletics Hall of Fame was established with 93 individuals and
five teams being inducted over a two-year period as part of the inaugural class.
His involvement isn’t limited to the Idaho campus. This fall he begins a two-year term as a member of the NCAA Legislative Council
– one of two top-tier governing bodies in the organization.
“I am honored and excited to represent the Western Athletic Conference on this governing board,” Spear said at the time of his appointment.
“It is a tremendous opportunity to make an impact on future NCAA legislation to ensure we continue to provide the best possible
service to the student-athlete.”
Spear’s ties with athletics are life-long. He was a standout high school athlete in his native Butte, Mont., before moving on to letter four
times at the University of Great Falls. Next was a two-year professional basketball career with the Montana Golden Nuggets, at the time
coached by George Karl.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Great Falls in 1980 and
Committee involvement
• Member and Officer of Latah Economic Development
Council (2002-07)
• Member of the Gritman Hospital Community
Advisory Committee (2005-Present)
• Member of the Gritman Hospital Strategic
Planning Committee (2005-Present)
• Member of St. Mary’s Parish Finance Committee
(2000-Present)
• Member President’s Cabinet (August 2005-
Present)
• NCAA Legislative Council (July 2008 – Present)
Personal
Wife
Sandy
Children
Morgan
Born Jan. 1, 1958
Hometown
Butte, Mont.
his MBA from the University of Montana
in 1983. He accepted a position
as an internal auditor with the University
of Idaho in 1989. While working at
Idaho, he also pursued his doctorate
in education, which he completed in
1993.
Prior to his appointment as director
of athletics in 2003, Spear was the interim
assistant financial vice president.
He also spent time at Idaho as the Assistant
Vice President for Outreach in
the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
and in grants contracts.
He and his wife, Sandy, have one
daughter, Morgan.
www.GoVandals.com 63