A "new Era" In Athletics

Calling it the "beginning of a new era for Baylor athletics," Dr. Robert B. Sloan Jr. announced Ian McCaw, 40, from the University of Massachusetts, as Baylor's new athletic director at a press conference Sept. 8.
"Those who know him describe him as a man of great intelligence, a man who is innovative, energetic and a consummate professional," Dr. Sloan said in his introduction of McCaw. "He has a reputation as a man of faith, character and integrity who knows how to solve problems and motivate all of those around him to achieve their very best."
The appointment came just a month after former AD Tom Stanton and former men's basketball coach Dave Bliss announced their resignations on Aug. 8. They left behind a basketball program still under investigation by an internal committee for NCAA infractions. 
In addressing the events of the past summer, McCaw said, "We're looking forward to moving beyond the challenges of the past very, very quickly. I'm very confident in the quality of the people here at Baylor."
McCaw spent the last year as director of athletics at UMass in Amherst, where he was responsible for a 23-sport program and helped develop and implement a five-year strategic plan for its athletics division. He also oversaw a $2 million renovation of the men's and women's basketball and ice hockey locker facilities.
Before UMass, McCaw spent five years at Northeastern University as director of intercollegiate athletics and campus recreation. 
"Baylor represents a pinnacle personal and professional position for me," McCaw said. "It is not only a great vocational opportunity but an avocation and a calling, and we could not be more delighted to join the Baylor family."
McCaw emphasized the need for a strong compliance program. "In past institutions, we've set compliance as everyone's responsibility -- coaches, staff, other administrators -- so that we really build ownership and, in doing that, you build in checks and balances to assure that problems do not arise," McCaw said.
Tommy Bowden, head football coach at Clemson University, said McCaw's appointment at Baylor is a good fit. "Ian McCaw is an excellent choice for Baylor. He has high integrity and actively walks the walk of a fine Christian man. He understands what it takes to build a strong, competitive team, both on and off the field," he said.
At his previous institutions, McCaw was known for implementing aggressive marketing and branding campaigns, as well as for being an astute fundraiser. At Northeastern, he initiated an integrated athletics annual giving campaign that attracted nearly 1,000 donors in its first year. During his five years there, the athletic program saw total revenues in the areas of corporate sponsorship, ticket sales and merchandising increase more than 100 percent.
In outlining his strategic plan for Baylor athletics, McCaw said it will focus on providing a quality experience for athletes, achieving competitive success in all programs, creating an environment that promotes good sportsmanship, generating incremental revenue and promoting high-caliber leadership and management.
"We want young men and women to grow up dreaming of coming to Baylor and competing for Baylor University," he said.
McCaw earned his master's degree in sports management from UMass. He has a bachelor's degree in sports administration from Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario. He and wife, Heather, have four children.