After months of talks, Penn State has officially extended athletic director Sandy Barbour for another five years, ensuring she will remain AD through August 2023.
"It has been a privilege and an honor to lead this program the last four-plus years, and I look forward to the great work that lies ahead."
Great news for our dynamic leader @SandyB_PSUAD, whose contract has been extended through August 2023!
: https://t.co/zewwDLrbk8#WeAre pic.twitter.com/xWU3BeDWnF
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) February 22, 2019
Hired back in 2014, after spending the previous 10 years as Cal's Athletic Director, Barbour has helped lead the Nittany Lions through somewhat of an athletic resurgence. Penn State athletic teams have won a total of 25 conference titles and five national titles in her five-year tenure. Athletes have also had a 90-percent graduation rate throughout her time here.
Barbour has spearheaded a number of facilities projects, most notably the Morgan Academic Center, a $7.2 million tutoring facility for student-athletes, and the $5.6 million Panzer Stadium, the new home for Penn State lacrosse.
She is currently overseeing the 20-year Master Facilities Plan that was announced in March 2017. Nearly every program associated with Penn State athletics is slated to get some kind of renovation or new facility, with renovations expected for both Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center, although both are further down the list of early priorities. A basketball practice facility, upgrades to soccer's Jeffrey Field, and a new parking structure are also among the projects set to be completed.
Barbour will make an average of $1.27 million over the next half decade, making her the fourth-highest paid AD in the country, and the highest paid woman AD. She will also get a new title, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics.
