Rosenberg announces Garcia to stay on through July 2018

FIU Executive Director of Sports and Entertainment Pete Garcia has been with FIU since 2006.

MIAMI (Sept. 16, 2016) – President Mark B. Rosenberg announced the extension of employment of FIU Executive Director of Sports and Entertainment Pete Garcia to July 31, 2018.

Garcia indicated that he will not continue as Executive Director of Sports and Entertainment beyond July 31, 2018 and that during his remaining time at FIU he plans to focus on completing approximately $14 million in renovations and upgrades to facilities including the football and soccer stadiums, the convocation center, and completion of the softball and golf complex.

“Leading FIU Athletics has been one of my most rewarding and exciting experiences,” said Garcia. “However, after months of personal reflection, I believe it is important to explore new professional challenges.”

Garcia took the helm of FIU Athletics in 2006 and oversaw the program’s transition from the Sunbelt Conference to Conference USA in 2012, as well as major enhancement to the athletic facilities. During Garcia’s tenure, FIU teams have enjoyed 16 conference championships, 20 post-season appearances and more than two dozen student-athletes have garnered All-America selection.

FIU student-athletes have made significant gains in the classroom as well: For 2015-16, FIU recorded its highest overall grade-point average (3.1) on record, while increasing its Federal Graduation Rate (FGR) 19 percentage points. During the spring of 2016, 273 student-athletes registered GPAs of 3.0-or-better and 143 Panthers were named to the FIU Dean’s List.

“Pete has led our athletic program during a pivotal decade in its development, said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “I thank Pete for his leadership and the commitment he brought to the job.”

Rosenberg indicated that at the appropriate time, FIU will begin the search for a new athletic director.