The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Chris Del Conte begins journey as Texas Athletics Director
12.11.2017 | Texas Athletics
Del Conte was introduced as The University of Texas’ Athletics Director on Monday.
VIDEO: Press Conference
QUOTES: Press Conference
PHOTOS: Del Conte's First Day
Be humble. Be honest. Serve others.
Those are the words that Chris Del Conte's father instilled in him at a young age, and the words that he lives by each day in the world of athletic administration. He grew up in both Mexico and New Mexico in a children's home started by his parents who were Christian missionaries, and he continues to live out those servant leadership principles on a daily basis.
"My philosophy is simple: my job is to support coaches and student-athletes in their endeavors to win championships, period," Del Conte said at his introductory press conference on Monday. "That's it. I have a reverse pyramid. I am a servant leader."
Del Conte has spent the last 12 years serving others as an Athletic Director at both Rice and Texas Christian. Today, he began his journey on the 40 Acres at The University of Texas. He takes over one of the most successful athletic departments in the country, a position he has prepared for his entire life.
"Chris has a vision for how important athletics is for a great university," President Greg Fenves said on Monday. "The importance of the student-athlete experience on the field or on the court, in the classroom. He is the AD for the coaches, recognizes that coaches are the key people that are motivating young men and women here at The University of Texas. He understands athletics as a business, how we all have to need to work together to serve our student-athletes and serve our university, but also be financially viable in a changing media environment."
During his eight years at TCU, Del Conte is credited with getting the Horned Frogs into the Big 12 Conference, upgrading facilities in a majority of sports, managing over $300 million in donor funded projects, as well as student-athlete success in the classroom. Many of TCU's programs became nationally relevant under his watch, and five coaches were named National Coaches of the Year.
"To Longhorn Nation, I can promise you," Del Conte said Monday. "I will serve you to the best of my abilities. I will always be honest to you, and answer any question you have. I will humbly serve you. I can't thank you enough for giving me this opportunity."
Del Conte found success at Texas Christian, and he knows the possibilities that lie ahead are endless at The University of Texas. He inherits one of the strongest athletic departments in the country, and admits that he is just the steward chosen to embrace the challenge and help the coaches and student-athletes achieve their dreams.
"We are incredibly excited about the direction of Texas Athletics under Chris Del Conte" women's basketball head coach Karen Aston said Monday. "His leadership at TCU did not go unnoticed among all of us here at Texas and in the Big 12 Conference. His passion across the board for athletics, including women in sport, is very clear. His peers and coaches at TCU speak so highly of him and I look forward to being under his guidance here at Texas. It's a great day for all of us here on the Forty Acres."
"I'm absolutely thrilled that Chris Del Conte will be leading our Athletics Department," head football coach Tom Herman said. "I've known him for several years, worked with him during my time at Rice and have continued to admire his work from afar for a long time. He's a smart and creative leader who has a great passion for student-athletes and college sports. I'm looking forward to a bright future with Chris leading the way."
Del Conte and President Greg Fenves were quick to point out another Longhorn who has lived out Del Conte's motto of serving others over the last two-plus years, as Mike Perrin has done as the Men's Athletic Director.
"Before I begin, I want to give my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Mike Perrin," Fenves started out the press conference. "A little over two years ago, Mike stepped up to serve this university, to serve Texas Athletics. There was a lot of turbulence and a lot of problems within the athletics department…he provided integrity, stability, calmness and helped address a number of problems that were important to solve. He brought Texas Athletics to a new stage."
"Mr. Perrin, a lot has been said," Del Conte remarked. "When times needed you most, you were a letterman. You knew what Texas needed. It was a rocky road. You settled the road down, put us in a place where the university is first and foremost. You've been spectacular."
During his time as the Men's Athletic Director, Perrin brought much needed stability to the department and restored hope among proud supporters of Texas Athletics. He is credited with hiring both baseball coach David Pierce and football coach Tom Herman, among his many achievements during his time serving the Longhorns.
"First and foremost, I want to thank Mike Perrin for all he's done for me, my family, our football program and Texas Athletics. He has been tremendous to work for and personally, unbelievably supportive. I'm very grateful for my time with him."
Perrin has seen first-hand what is possible at The University of Texas. He lettered from 1966-68 and played for legendary head coach Darrell Royal. He is a member of the Men's Hall of Honor. Today, he passes the torch to Del Conte, but as he always has been, will continue to assist in whatever way possible to help this great university of his reach the heights he knows it capable of.
"It's been special to have come back having played here," Perrin said Monday. "I've had a lot of teammates and a lot of people from all over the state that have helped get the program in the right direction, and I have every bit of confidence that Chris Del Conte will continue that."