July 24, 2007

IRVINE, Calif. --- Paula Smith has been named interim director of Intercollegiate Athletics at UC Irvine effective Aug. 1, announced by Chancellor Michael V. Drake.

Smith will assume duties from Bob Chichester, who announced earlier this summer that he was stepping down as athletic director in August after five years in the position. Chichester will serve as special assistant to the chancellor, working on projects associated with the NCAA certification review for the campus.

Smith, a member of the NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet, has served as associate athletic director/senior woman administrator at UCI since July 2006.

She previously served in a similar position at UC Riverside from 2001-06. Prior to that, Smith was assistant athletic director/student services at UCI for two years.

Smith worked at the Big West Conference office for 11 years, including six as assistant commissioner. She is a 1988 graduate of New Mexico State University.

A 12-member committee has been formed to select UCI's next athletic director. The committee, chaired by Faculty Athletic Representative David Snow, consists of faculty, administrators from across the campus, members of the Athletic Department and several community members. The position has been posted and closing date for applications is Aug. 15.