Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2019

59 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.BestOfMP.com | www.ReadMPM.com feature Name: Dan Radakovich Occupation : Director of Athletics Clemson University Began as AD — Oct. 29, 2012 Born : June 9, 1958; Aliquippa, Pennsylvania Alma Mater : Indiana University of Pennsylvania ‘80 One of the very few to have worked at both the University of South Carolina and Clemson University’s department of athletics, Dan Radakovich has distinguished himself as an acclaimed AD. Clearly, Clemson has it rolling athletically, and Radakovich isn’t one to rest. His goal is not only for Clemson to be No. 1 today but to stay No. 1. … And stay there for a long time. He has the resources and support. He has the leadership skills and a competent “What-else-can-I-do-for- you?” staff, in addition to top-quality coaches. Prior to coming to Clemson in 2012, Radakovich served as AD at Georgia Tech (2006-2012). After a brief stint as AD at American University (2000-2001), he left and became senior associate AD at Louisiana State University from 2001-2006. From 1994-2000, Radakovich served as chief financial officer at USC and gained valuable experience while he was senior associate AD at Long Beach State University. He got his start in athletic administration in 1983 as business manager at the University of Miami. Radakovich became Clemson’s 13th director of athletics — and fifth since 1940 — on Dec. 1, 2012, replacing Terry Don Phillips, and has since led the department to record-high achievements. For his efforts, he was named the Sports Business Journal Athletics Director of the Year in 2016, having been a finalist the previous year. The Clemson department of athletics has received approvals for $176 million in capital project improvements, and direct spending on student-athletes has increased. Overall revenues leaped from $69 million in 2014 to $110 million in 2018. On the national level, Radakovich is well-respected. With the introduction of the 2014 College Football Playoff, he was one of 13 people, including one of only five FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) directors of athletics, to be named to the committee. He was also named by NCAA President Mark Emmert as one of 10 ADs to a new advisory commission charged with making recommendations for the future of NCAA rules and policies. He is a 1980 graduate of Indiana University (Pennsylvania), where he earned a degree in finance and lettered in football. He earned his master’s in 1982 from the University of Miami. Photo courtesy of Dan Radakovich.