Iowa AD Gary Barta announces retirement
IOWA CITY, Iowa (IOWA'S NEWS NOW) — IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Gary Barta, the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair at the University of Iowa, will retire Aug. 1, 2023, after 17 years as athletics director.
One of the longest-tenured Power 5 conference athletic directors, Barta joined the UI Department of Athletics in 2006 after holding a similar position at the University of Wyoming.
BARTA STATEMENT
“It has been an absolute privilege and honor to serve in this role the past 17 years I’m humbled to have worked beside, and on behalf of, so many student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors, fans, and community leaders over the past two decades. The success enjoyed by our student-athletes and coaches during my entire tenure, and especially the past several years, has been impressive and record breaking on so many levels.
My wife, Connie, and I were blessed to be able to raise our two kids (Luke and Madi) in this wonderful community. The four of us will be Hawkeyes for life.
I’ve made incredible friendships within the athletic department, across campus, throughout the greater Iowa City community, and across the State.
This decision didn’t come suddenly, nor did it come without significant thought, discussion, and prayer. As I’ve reflected, I came to the conclusion there’s never a good time to step awaybecause there’s always more to be done. That said, I’m confident this is the right time for me and for my family.
Again, I’m incredibly grateful to have served in this role. I look forward to wherever the next phase in my journey takes me.
Thank you to President Wilson for her continued support, along with everyone in the “Hawkeye Family” for this amazing run.
The best is yet to come! Go Hawks!”
Barta was named Iowa's AD in August of 2006. The department has seen massive successes during his tenure - from division, conference, and national titles across numerous sports to the first-ever NCAA championship appearance for the women's basketball program in April.
Iowa athletics has also dealt with a number of lawsuits during Barta's tenure, resulting in millions of dollars in settlements - including $4.2 million to a number of former Hawkeye football players this year who sued over allegations of racial discrimination.
“Gary’s achievements at the University of Iowa are significant, and our coaches and student-athletes have enjoyed tremendous success on and off the field during his tenure,” says UI President Barbara Wilson. “I’m grateful for his leadership as a Hawkeye and I wish him well in his retirement.
“I was surprised to learn that Gary is retiring," says UI Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz. "I valued our working relationship as he led our athletic department over the past 17 years. I certainly understand and respect his decision to walk away and wish he and Connie the very best in their new chapter.”
Iowa Men's Basketball Head Coach Fran McCaffery says, "Gary Barta was phenomenal to work with. One of the things that attracted me to the University of Iowa 13 years ago was his unwavering support of our staff and student-athletes, his commitment to doing things the right way, and always maintaining the integrity of our institution."
An interim athletics director will be announced next week.
