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By: Joseph Sykes | Sports Editor
David Harper, former University of Dayton vice president of university advancement, was introduced Tuesday as the new Duquesne director of athletics.
Harper — who will start in October — will replace former athletic director Greg Amodio, who left Duquesne for the same position at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut.
At Dayton, Harper is credited with reviving alumni support as well as raising a record-breaking $66 million for the university.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be joining Duquesne University. The entire search process, I learned of the collective will and commitment to have an athletics program marked by academic success and competitive excellence,” Harper said at Tuesday’s press conference. “There is a very strong foundation to build upon, and I look forward to beginning the relentless pursuit to secure more robust success for the student-athletes, coaches, student body and alumni of Duquesne.”
Before Dayton, Harper served as assistant athletic director at the University of Michigan from 2003 to 2005. He was also previously an assistant coach and defensive coordinator for the Robert Morris University football team. Harper earned his Master of Business Administration degree at Robert Morris as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wright State University.
“It was very clear to me, and those who met with Dave during the process, that he is an ideal fit for Duquesne,” Duquesne president Charles Dougherty said. “He is a leader and a strategic thinker who understands how to build successful programs. His accomplishments reveal a person who embraces the importance of reaching out and personally engaging all of our constituents – alumni, fans, faculty, staff, students, benefactors and the media.”
