In a power move that strengthens one university at the expense of its rival, the University of Washington (UW) scooped up Pat Chun from across the state to take the reins as their new athletic director. Pat Chun is crossing enemy lines, leaving Washington State University (WSU) to climb aboard with the Huskies, as confirmed by UW President Ana Mari Cauce.
Chun's exit from WSU where he's been at the helm since 2018, marks a significant shift in the landscape of college athletics in the state of Washington. Under his leadership, WSU has seen a plethora of successes, including NCAA tournament appearances by ten different sports programs and six Pac-12 Championships. “It is truly an honor for me and my family to join the University of Washington family, and I look forward to doing my part to help elevate the athletics program and the University," Chun stated in an announcement obtained by GoHuskies.com. This announcement arrives just after Troy Dannen’s departure to University of Nebraska, leaving a vacancy that Chun is no doubt eager to fill.
According to his new bosses, Chun is just the ace they were looking for, with President Cauce singing his praises, "Pat has a track record of success and a wealth of experience – from 15 years in the Big Ten and service on national groups guiding the future of college sports, to securing community support and a commitment to the well-being of student-athletes." The university is prepping up for a press conference scheduled for 10 a.m. to introduce their newest asset, as first reported by KING 5.
Chun, a leader with a national stature, also serves on high-profile committees including the College Football Playoff Selection Committee and the NCAA Division I Council. He carries the distinction of being the first Asian-American athletics director to lead a Power Five program – a milestone for WSU when they initially appointed him. At WSU, he also secured record levels of donor support, a skill UW anxiously anticipates to have on their side as they transition to the Big Ten, a move fraught with both opportunity and challenge.
The move has drawn the public eye, with Chun's credentials and ability to navigate college sports politics being primary reasons for UW's interest. As cited by GoHuskies.com, Chun expressed a keen sense of responsibility: "I am grateful to President Cauce for the opportunity and will work closely with our campus partners, our coaches and our staff to help our student-athiles have an incredible experience at UW." Whether his Midas touch will continue to work wonders for the Huskies remains to be seen, but the stage is set for Chun to begin a new chapter on March 27, leaving a notable legacy across the state at WSU.
