Feb. 13, 2008

PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University Director of Athletics Jim Sterk announced Wednesday that Robert Minnix, a longtime executive at the NCAA and most recently an associate director of athletics at Florida State, has accepted WSU's offer to become a senior associate athletic director for the Cougars.

"I am very excited that Bob has decided to return to the Northwest and join our senior staff," said Sterk. "He brings a wealth of experience and a tremendous knowledge of intercollegiate athletics that will benefit our staff, coaches and student-athletes."

Minnix, who is currently teaching a course in sports administration at FSU, will begin his duties at Washington State University in early May.

"I am thrilled to be returning to my native Northwest and become part of the Cougar family," said Minnix. "I am looking forward to working alongside one of most respected and outstanding athletic directors in our business, Jim Sterk. The comprehensive commitment of the administration, coaches and student-athletes to high level competition, academic excellence and community service in all sports is what attracted me to WSU."

Minnix has spent the past 13 years at Florida State, the first 11 as associate athletic director for compliance and the past two as senior associate athletic director. His responsibilities include overseeing all departmental compliance issues, implementing and directing Florida State's rules education programs and serves as the department's liaison and contact with the University's General Council as well as other legal interests. He is directly involved with the strategic planning of long range departmental goals regarding student-athlete welfare and life skills training.

"Without question, Bob Minnix will be a tremendous addition to an already first-rate athletics administration team at WSU," said University of Notre Dame Director of Athletics Kevin White. "Bob will bring a breadth of experience, as well as impeccable integrity. Simply speaking, Bob is a great hire."

Prior to Florida State, Minnix spent 20 years at the NCAA, the final seven as Director of Enforcement, where he oversaw enforcement issues with regard to the NCAA and its member institutions, including the preparation and presentation of cases to be heard by the Committee on Infractions. He has served on numerous NCAA committees including the Leadership and Development Training Committee, Special Events Committee, Postseason Football Sub-Committee and staff task forces that concentrated on public relations, compensation and employment opportunities for women and ethnic minorities.

Minnix is the former president of the Black Coaches Association, has chaired the NCAA Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct and has served as president on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Athletics Compliance Coordinators and is a former member the NCAA Academic Eligibility Compliance Cabinet.

A native of Spokane, Wash., where he attended Lewis & Clark High School, Minnix attended Notre Dame and played in back-to-back Cotton Bowls in 1970 and 1971 as a running back. He led the Irish in rushing as a senior in 1971. A 1972 Notre Dame graduate, Minnix attended law school at the University of Washington where he received his Jurist Doctorate in 1975.