What they’re saying about Charles Harris 

“Charles Harris emerged early in our search as an outstanding leader who has accomplished much in his career. He has built strong and successful academic and athletic combinations at University of Pennsylvania in the Ivy League and Arizona State in the Pac-10. His is a compelling presence, and I look forward to the contributions he will make to the entire University as a member of our leadership team.”

- Dr. Richard Pfau, President, Averett University

 

"Charles Harris brings a high level of experience to Averett that will allow its athletics program to achieve success across the board.  He's been an Athletics Director, and a Conference Commissioner.  At the same time, he's served the NCAA in some of its most influential committees with the Men's Basketball Committee and chairing the Management Council. 

It is Charles's commitment to the academic success of student-athletes that will benefit Averett, its coaches, staff, and most certainly, its participants in intercollegiate sport.

Charles Harris has always been someone that has helped me throughout my career. I am extremely happy to know he will lead Averett University's program."

- Craig Littlepage, Director of Athletics, University of Virginia

 

“My association with Charles Harris has been mainly through serving with him on the Men's Basketball Committee. He is a dynamic, thoughtful and persuasive speaker. He is well versed on the intricacies of intercollegiate athletics at every level of competition and has excellent contacts throughout the country. He should be an effective and valued colleague for each member of the Averett community and a tremendous asset to their athletic programs.”

- Terry Holland, Special Assistant to the President and former Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Virginia

 

“Charles Harris will be an outstanding Athletic Director. I regard him as a person of great personal integrity. I was proud to learn of his appointment at Averett.”

- Jim Larimore, Dean of the College, Dartmouth College

 

“Charles is a very accomplished athletic administrator and professional. He is very much aware of the issues in intercollegiate athletics and is committed to providing a positive experience for all student-athletes. Charles brings a wealth of experience to the institution and Averett’s programs will benefit greatly under his leadership.”

- Carolyn Schlie Femovich, Executive Director, Patriot League

 

“Charles Harris is an outstanding athletics administrator and educator. He will be a wonderful mentor for every coach and student with whom he works, and a thorough professional in everything he does. I’ve known Charles for 20 years, and I learn something new from him every time we talk. He will be a great success at Averett, and a positive contributor in every area of campus life.”

- Jeff Orleans, Executive Director, The Ivy League

 

"I have known Charles Harris for six years and worked with him on the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee. He is known for his integrity and is highly regarded by his peers. He has excellent leadership skills and is a great communicator. I'm sure he will do a great job at Averett University."

- Lee Fowler, Athletics Director, North Carolina State University

 

"Charles is one of my dearest and most admired colleagues, and is also a mentor in many ways. He has always been a person of incredible vision. Charles is articulate and has a variety of strengths. Averett is most fortunate to have him.

Charles is also a person of fundamental fairness and has advanced the careers of women and minorities, including myself, for years. I wish him every success in this new position."

- Dr. Janet Kittell, Associate Director of Athletics, Syracuse University

 

"I've know Charles for several years and have always considered him an outstanding leader. Averett is lucky to have him.  I enjoyed working with him when he served on the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee.  He always had a very clear understanding of all the issues.  I'm thrilled that Charles is back in intercollegiate athletics."

- Jim Marchiony, Associate Director of Athletics, University of Kansas, Former media coordinator of the NCAA Division I Basketball Championship

 

“What has always been impressive to me about Charles is his genuine concern. He looks out for the student-athlete as a person. He cares very much about their development in their sport, but also in their academic pursuits, and their future. Charles has always been someone who is outspoken in student-athlete welfare issues.

He is mindful of opportunities for men and women, and does a good job finding the right balance.

Charles has a great understanding of the athletics business. He’s well respected across the country, and has worked in a variety of institutions across all levels. He brings such a knowledge of the business; he’s been a consultant, he’s been an athletics director and he’s worked at all levels, so Charles has a very good understanding of the workings of the business and is very well connected.

He’s a wonderful leader and a wonderful role model for young people.

I think he would be really good to work for, people I know who have worked for Charles are extremely loyal to him.”

- Barbara Walker, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Olympic Sports/Senior Women’s Administrator, Wake Forest University

 

"Many people have had the great fortune of working alongside of Charles Harris in the college sports world.   He has always had the great ability to insure that the student athlete's experience is the highest priority.  He is the ultimate professional."

- Bill Stone, Coordinating Producer, College SportsTelevision

 

“Averett University is most fortunate to have a person of Charles’ talent and intelligence. He will do a great job and expect nothing short of excellence from the coaches, students, and those who work with the program.

Charles is a good person who cares very much about providing the appropriate academic and athletic experience for college students and will work many hours tirelessly to accomplish that.

It was a privilege to work with him. I learned a great deal to help me in my career and I know many of us that have worked for Charles would say the same thing.”