“The critical role of our football program is clear — it is of vital importance to the entire LSU community: Our students, our fans and alumni worldwide, and the state of Louisiana. Simply put, success in LSU football is essential for the success of Louisiana State University.”
Those were the words of LSU Chancellor Mark Emmert in November of 1999.
Emmert and athletics director Joe Dean had decided to go a different direction in the football program, releasing then head coach Gerry DiNardo from his contract after a 2-8 start to the 1999 football season and numerous off-the-field problems involving players.
Emmert now is going in a change of direction himself, recently accepting the president’s job at the University of Washington’s system. He graduated from the University of Washington and is a native of Tacoma, Wash.
The departed chancellor, who will man his new post in June, not only leaves behind his flagship agenda and campus master plan on his way to Washington, but he also leaves behind his clear vision for the athletics program, especially football, and how much it means to the success of a university such as LSU.
As it is, Emmert is already looking into repairing the dysfunctional UW athletics program, which needs an athletics director and has been steeped in controversy stemming from its former football coach betting in an NCAA Tournament pool.
“It is critical that the university have an athletic director and, in turn, an athletic department that reflects the highest values of the institution,” Emmert said at a campus press conference to announce his hiring. “And I’m very confident we can find an athletic director who can do all those things for us.”
The Feeling at LSU
LSU football coach Nick Saban was a big fan of Emmert’s.
Saban was hired away from Michigan State in 1999 largely because of Emmert’s doing. And as they say, the rest is history.
In four years as head coach of the football team, Saban has led the Tigers to two Southeastern Conference Championships, one national championship and four bowl games.
When news broke Emmert may be going to Washington, Saban pleaded through the media for LSU to do anything it could to keep its current chancellor.
“We are obviously hopeful that the University will do everything it can to keep the chancellor here,” Saban said at a press conference. “Chancellor Emmert is absolutely the best boss I’ve ever had. He’s the most significant reason I was interested in the job. Never once has he disappointed me.”
Saban was disappointed to hear of Emmert’s decision, but said Emmert has done nothing but good for the University.
“I think Mark Emmert is a natural leader who’s got great vision,” Saban said. “I know he did a tremendous job in the academic areas in attracting quality people here. I can’t tell you how different even the academic situation is around here. It has all been extremely positive. And I think leaders at any institution can create that atmosphere one way or the other with their attitude. I think Mark Emmert was good for athletics, but I think he was good for LSU in a lot of ways. I think we improved dramatically as an institution.”
Saban said he views the athletic situation at LSU to be important and hopes the next chancellor treats it with the same gusto Emmert did.
“I’m sure somewhere in the priorities the athletic situation will be something that would be addressed,” Saban said. “I think it’s important to this state, and I think it’s important to the exposure that this school gets that we have quality athletic programs. I think we’re capable of it, I think the people expect it and I think it’s the window that a lot of people look at this institution through and helps develop.”
Saban is not alone in his thinking. Students said what Emmert accomplished while at LSU was phenomenal, and they hope a replacement realizes the importance of athletics.
“When the SEC Championship game was on and the Sugar Bowl was on, I was just proud to see my school’s name being tossed around all over the country,” said construction management senior Jeff Siemssen. “I know Chancellor Emmert had a lot to do with hiring Nick Saban and I just hope his replacement realizes what athletics can do for a college.”
The Right Priorities
LSU athletics director Skip Bertman is no stranger to success on the playing field.
Before becoming AD at LSU, Bertman led the LSU baseball program to five national championships and played a large part in turning it into the powerhouse that it remains to be.
Bertman said Emmert has his priorities right and knows what must come first at a university.
“He saw the value of sports and athletics for student-athletes not only as a great emotional and physical outlet and a great growth opportunity for the athletes, but he saw it as a means by which to get the school publicity,” Bertman said. “And he saw it as the beacon out in for the school. And [he didn’t believe athletics were] more important than academics, but they are easier to punch out LSU’s name and in return, the school got a lot of publicity. He also saw it as a financial resource to gain a lot of money for the university.”
Bertman said Emmert was involved with the athletics department but for all the right reasons. He said some past chancellors he worked with did not always have their heads on straight in terms of what comes first.
“There have been other chancellors that have meddled in athletics for the wrong reasons,” Bertman said. “On the other hand, Chancellor Emmert was part of it just like he would have been part of any other department. And I thought it was a big plus for us. I was glad he realized we were important.”
Bertman said it will be hard to find a chancellor like Emmert with his priorities in the right order.
“I don’t know that the next chancellor will be like Dr. Emmert,” Bertman said. “But I think the next chancellor will realize the importance of athletics. To me like Dr. Emmert always says, whether it’s football or physics, we’d like to shoot for excellence. And I don’t see any value if your athletics program is average. I just don’t see how it would help your academics.”