News Summary
After 11 years as the athletic director at Gannon University, Lisa Goddard McGuirk has announced her departure to take a similar role at Fort Hays State University. McGuirk’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including national rankings and conference trophies. As Gannon prepares for this leadership change, the university community reflects on the successes under her guidance and looks forward to future developments in the athletic program.
Erie, Pennsylvania – Lisa Goddard McGuirk has announced her departure from Gannon University, where she has served as the athletic director for the past 11 years. McGuirk will officially leave her position on June 20, 2025, and will step into the role of athletic director at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, beginning June 23, 2025.
Gannon University President Walter Iwanenko commended McGuirk for her exceptional leadership during her tenure, stating that her influence will have a lasting impact. Under her guidance, the Gannon Golden Knights athletic program achieved significant accolades, including a No. 19 finish in the 2024 Learfield Directors’ Cup and a current ranking of No. 12 in the ongoing 2025 competition cycle.
In addition to national recognition, Gannon’s athletic program has excelled within its conference. The Golden Knights earned the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s (PSAC) prestigious Dixon Trophy in both 2022 and 2023, highlighting their top performance across various sports. As of now, Gannon holds the No. 1 position in the 2025 Dixon Trophy standings, which is awarded annually to the institution that accumulates the highest score based on results from conference playoffs and regular season records.
McGuirk’s tenure has also been marked by personal accolades, including her recognition as the 2023-24 NACDA Athletics Director of the Year, a testament to her commitment to excellence in collegiate athletics. As she prepares to transition to her new role, McGuirk expressed her gratitude to the student-athletes, coaches, alumni, supporters, and administration who contributed to Gannon’s vision and success.
A news conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. on May 21, 2025, in Gannon’s Old Main to discuss the future of the university’s athletic program and to inform the community of the next steps following McGuirk’s departure. The announcement has generated considerable interest, with many eager to learn how Gannon will continue to build upon the foundation established under her leadership.
McGuirk’s career at Gannon University has spanned over a decade, during which she has overseen substantial growth and development within the athletic department. Her emphasis on cultivating a competitive and supportive environment has led to improved performance across many sports and has helped elevate the university’s presence on the national stage.
The forthcoming transition period is expected to be a moment of reflection on the achievements made during McGuirk’s time at Gannon as well as a time for stakeholders to consider the future direction of the athletic program. McGuirk’s successor will have the opportunity to build upon the legacy she leaves behind and continue fostering success for Gannon athletics.
As the university community prepares for this leadership change, the impression McGuirk has made in her role as athletic director is clear—her dedication to the growth and success of student-athletes has been paramount in shaping Gannon’s athletic identity.
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Additional Resources
- Gannon Announces Athletic Director Departure
- Wikipedia: Athletic Director
- Gannon Announces New Leadership in Athletics
- Google Search: Gannon University Athletics
- Gannon Athletics Joins PNC Achievers Program
- Google Scholar: Gannon University
- Gannon Named Finalist for DII Award of Excellence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University
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