ANDERSON, S.C. – After serving three years at the helm of the Anderson University athletics program, Bill D'Andrea on Tuesday announced that he will be stepping down as Vice President for Athletics, effective May 1.
"The contributions Mr. D'Andrea has made to our Athletics Department have been significant," said Anderson University President, Dr. Evans Whitaker. "He has been uniquely effective in getting many important goals for AU Athletics accomplished. I am grateful to Bill for all he has done," Whitaker added.
During his tenure, D'Andrea has placed an emphasis on facility enhancement and fundraising, with membership in the Trojan Club growing eight-fold, with the organization now boasting more than 700 active members and corporate sponsorships reaching a quarter-million dollars in support.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years at Anderson University and the valuable experiences that I've had the opportunity to be a part of as the Director of Athletics," said D'Andrea. "I have been surrounded by some very special people that include student-athletes, faculty members and staff. I want to especially thank everyone in the Athletic Department, particularly the staff, coaches and student-athletes for their loyalty and support in helping to improve various areas of the department. I can attest that prospective student-athletes considering Anderson will receive a quality education, a distinct Christian experience and will be directed by sincere and authentic coaches. I would like to believe that several things were achieved during my tenure with the help of a committed team of individuals over the past three years. However, I am most proud of the relationship established with the student-athletes and the way they have competed and represented Anderson University."
D'Andrea supplemented Trojan Club funding with ticket revenue at each athletic venue and has overseen substantial improvements at the Athletic Campus, with significant enhancements to the weight room and the addition of state-of-the-art lights and locker rooms at soccer's Trojan Stadium, while removing the pre-existing wooden bleachers. Additionally, fan engagement was enhanced with videoboards and new scoreboards at the Abney Athletic Center. He also partnered with the City of Anderson to build a new fence at Anderson Memorial Stadium, home of the baseball team.
Under his leadership, the department saw the addition of the first full-time Development Officer and Game Manager.
Away from the field and off the courts, AU student-athletes have performed in the classroom, boasting the highest departmental GPA on record (3.26) at the conclusion of the 2017 fall semester, while 128 Anderson athletes were named to the South Atlantic Conference Commissioners Honor Roll last summer.
In addition to his athletic department duties, D'Andrea is also a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Anderson, which works closely with the president to provide the executive leadership of the University.
Prior to taking the reins of the Trojan athletic program, D'Andrea served as Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs at Clemson, while his administrative career with the Orange and Purple spanned 30 years. He served with the Tigers' athletic department in both full-time and part-time positions for more than three decades, beginning as a graduate assistant football coach under legendary Clemson head coach Danny Ford in 1983 and 1984.
"I want to thank all the donors, athletic supporters and corporate sponsors that have contributed to our athletic programs and made a significant difference." added D'Andrea.
"Finally, I want to thank President Whitaker for the opportunity to serve this fine institution," said D'Andrea". "President Whitaker's leadership has had an indelible impact on the academic improvement and growth of the institution. Anderson University is on the move and I am confident you will see great things in the future."
