NCAA Vice President of Academic and Membership Affairs Dave Schnase announced his retirement Wednesday, effective Sept. 2. Schnase has served as vice president since his appointment in September 2015 and, most recently, has focused his time and attention on issues related to the House settlement.Schnase will celebrate his 30-year anniversary with the national office on Aug. 21.
"There may be no one who knows as much about the history, challenges and changes as Dave Schnase does. His contributions, mentorship, leadership, steady hand and calm and thoughtful way of handling issues and people make him a unique presence at the NCAA, for members and staff alike," President Charlie Baker said. "As we've worked through the challenging task of modernizing many elements of our regulatory approach at the same time we continue to oversee and manage the rules we have, he has been at the center of this management and decision-making process. Dave made clear to me he wouldn't be at the NCAA forever but made clear to me he would be here to help us work our way through many of our biggest challenges which he has done. I wish him the very best as he moves on to whatever his next act will be and thank him immensely for all he has given to college sports and the NCAA."
Schnase's duties have included oversightof AMA in its support of diverse memberships in Divisions I, II and III.During his tenure, AMA has provided top-level regulatory service, as evidenced by a membership satisfaction well over 90% in all three divisions.
Schnase held a variety of positions of progressively increasing responsibility since joining the national office in 1995 after serving nearly two years as Marshall University's director of judicial affairs and athletics compliance.While at Marshall, Schnase developed a new athletics compliance program and created a new student-centric judicial affairs office.
While at the NCAA, Schnase participated in numerous key initiatives related to regulatory affairs, championships and governance and provided key leadership during periods of significant change. Many of the initiatives that benefited from Dave's leadership resulted in greater benefits to student-athletes, more membership autonomy and improved decision-making.
During his tenure, Schnase hired and mentored hundreds of staff members, many who developed into leaders in college athletics, higher education, professional athletics and private practice.In addition to encouraging professional development in others, Schnase served as a fellow with the American Council on Education, earned a certificate in executive leadership coaching from Northwestern University and participated in the Aspen Leadership Institute.
Schnase received his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska and a juris doctor and master's degree in education and sports management from the University of Kansas.
"Dave Schnase made a massive and lasting impact on intercollegiate athletics in his 30 years of service to the NCAA," Trev Alberts, athletics director at Texas A&M University and member of the Division I Implementation Committee said. "He was a tireless worker that helped lead the Association through much-needed change, often with student-athletes as the beneficiary. Dave is a servant leader and a man of integrity who led with class and dignity. I really enjoyed working with Dave and appreciate all his hard work to help modernize and transform college athletics."
"Dave Schnase is one of my favorite people and his contributions to the membership will be missed. He is a terrific human being with a servant's heart," Keith Gill, commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference said. "He is so smart, so wise and has provided outstanding service to the NCAA and college athletics generally. If there was a hall of fame for college athletics administrators, Dave would be a first ballot inductee. I am proud to call him a dear friend and wish him and Tracythe best as they embark on the next chapter in their lives."
"I've had a courtside seat watching Dave's leadership in action.In his many roles with the NCAA, there has been one constant: student-athletes are always first," Chris Pietruszkiewicz, president of the University of Evansville and vice-chair of the Division I Board of Directors said. "When their playing careers are over, NCAA student-athletesgo pro in something other than sports. Dave is one of the special people who made sure that was true. Thousands and thousands of student-athletes are better because of him—and so are those of us who had the pleasure to serve with him. Dave not only represents what is good about college sports, he represents what is good about people."