CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah University and Athletic Director Doug Knuth are pleased to announce the hiring of Marie Tuite as Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations/COO.
Tuite will begin serving in this role on March 1. She will oversee and manage the external side of the athletic department while also providing leadership level support for all operations of the department.
Athletic Director Doug Knuth said of Tuite,
"We are thrilled to bring Marie Tuite to SUU Athletics as the Deputy AD for External Operations and COO. Marie has incredible knowledge, skills, and abilities in athletic administration and leadership. She is well respected throughout Division I athletics and has earned great support from coaches, athletes, and university administrators who have worked directly with her over the years. Marie will be a great mentor for our coaches and staff in support of our talented student athletes. I can't wait to work with Marie and watch her make a big impact on our program, university, and community."
Tuite comes to Cedar City with a packed resume that includes many leadership-level accomplishments. She has served in capacities at the NCAA, the University of California - Berkeley, the University of Washington, and San Jose State University. While working at the NCAA in the championship division, Tuite was key in managing the prestigious NCAA Gymnastics championship.
Tuite is a nationally respected administrator and has received recognition and awards from various organizations as a top leader in collegiate athletics and among women leaders in business. Her consulting firm, Tuite & Associates, specializes in marketing and promotions, contract negotiations for media agreements, gender equity review, and master plan creation for college athletics facilities. In 2022 Tuite entered a consulting agreement with MOGL, a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) marketplace that connects brands with college athletes.
"This is an exciting time for Southern Utah University athletics, and I'm thrilled to join Athletics Director Doug Knuth's team. SUU is a vibrant and spirited campus, and I look forward to working with President Benson, the university administration, and the Thunderbird family" said Tuite.
Tuite was a two-sport athlete (basketball and field hockey) at Central Michigan University and was inducted into CMU's Hall of Fame in 1990. One of the first standout female athletes at Central Michigan, Tuite earned four letters each in field hockey and basketball. She was the top scorer for the basketball team from 1972-74 and later served as an assistant basketball coach in 1980 when CMU finished with an impressive 19-8 record.
Praise for Tuite
Nicole Iloanya, Esq, Corporate Counsel, former SJSU All-American track and field athlete
Marie Tuite comes with a wealth of experience where she has poured into a myriad of generations of leaders. Specifically intentionally advocating for young leaders like myself. Marie serves as a mentor of life and career. As a corporate attorney, I am a product of her leadership.
Jim Thompson, Founder, and Chairman, Crown Worldwide Group
I have known Marie Tuite for the past ten years and find her the most honest and dedicated person I have ever met at San Jose State University. As an entrepreneur who has observed thousands of managers in my company for over fifty years, I can say authoritatively that I see the qualities that make a very productive and successful leader in Marie. She is a winner.
Dick Vermeil – NFL Hall of Fame Coach, Former Head Coach of Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs. Former Head Football Coach UCLA
Congratulations to Doug Knuth and Southern Utah University for making an excellent choice in hiring Marie Tuite. Marie transformed facilities for all student-athletes at San Jose State and was a critical component in building a successful Division I football program. She's exceptional, and SUU is fortunate to have someone with her character and integrity supporting student-athletes.
Don Kassing, San Jose State President Emeritus
Congratulations to President Benson and Doug Knuth for the hiring of Marie Tuite. I worked with Marie on several campus initiatives and was impressed with her priority of building relationships with faculty and staff. She's a student-centered administrator who had an incredibly positive impact on SJSU. SUU got a good one.
Barbara Hedges – former Director of Athletics, University of Washington
I hired Marie Tuite at the University of Washington for her ability to support, manage, mentor, and lead student-athletes and coaches. She understands the challenges facing coaches and student-athletes who will work tirelessly to help them achieve their goals.
Cindy Lazares – SJSU alum, committee chair for SJSU fundraising campaign, the current owner of Lazares Companies
I became involved with San Jose State in 1989 and have served on Alumni Association Board and SJSU Foundation and Tower Boards. I worked with several athletics directors, and Marie Tuite's leadership was exemplary. She was the best Athletics Director SJSU has ever had. Our support of SJSU was because of Marie's vision and leadership.
Bruce Arena – Former US Olympic Soccer Coach, current Sporting Director/ Head Coach of the New England Revolution
Marie Tuite is one of the most talented administrators I have worked with in my 45 years in the sports industry. I have leaned on her for advice and admire her unwavering integrity and work ethic. She is an outstanding person, and I endorse her wholeheartedly.
Beth Puglise, former Associate Vice President for Human Resources
As the former Associate Vice-President of Human Resources at San Jose State University, I worked closely with Marie Tuite. I remember Marie as compassionate, solution-oriented, and with a strong sense of doing the "right thing." She was a passionate advocate for her department and, most importantly, her student-athletes. In my 26 years at San Jose State, I found Marie to have the highest regard for the policies and procedures of human resources. She is a woman of strong character with a well-defined moral compass.
Les Francis – SJSU alum, former SJSU Tower Foundation Board of Directors, SJSU Outstanding Alumnus Award
From the first time I met Marie Tuite, I knew her contributions would positively impact San Jose State. She's a collaborative consensus builder who understands the importance of listening to diverse opinions before implementing change. Marie will bring a heightened energy and positive attitude to SUU.
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