Duquesne University Vice President of Athletics, Dave Harper, has accepted a position with Baylor University as Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director, Duquesne's President Ken Gormley announced Tuesday. John Henderson, currently Senior Associate Athletic Director at Duquesne, has been appointed Interim Athletic Director. Henderson will begin in the role when Harper transitions to the Baylor job in early May.
"We extend our heartfelt congratulations and deep appreciation to Dave Harper for his impressive eleven-year leadership of the athletics program at Duquesne," said Gormley. "Being recruited to work at a Big 12 school like Baylor is a wonderful opportunity and a testament to Dave's extraordinary success in elevating Duquesne's program."
Harper leaves a stellar record at Duquesne, with highlights including the completion of the new UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse; three football conference championships; the addition of popular sports including women's bowling, diving, and acrobatics and tumbling; and most visibly the storybook 2024 season for men's basketball when they earned the 2024 Atlantic 10 championship—the program's first in 47 years—and its first NCAA Tournament victory in 55 years.
His successor, Senior Associate Athletic Director John Henderson, played a key role in achieving each of those successes.
"After consultation with President-elect David Dausey and Board Chair Diane Hupp, we've agreed that John Henderson is well-prepared to take the reins as Interim Athletic Director at Duquesne," said Gormley. "He's spent a decade working alongside Dave and has been an invaluable partner in producing championship teams in men's basketball, football, and other sports. John is ready to move into the top role and leave his own mark."
"I am deeply humbled and honored by the trust placed in me to lead Duquesne athletics, where I have loved serving our student-athletes and helping them drive personal and team success," Henderson said. "Our program has made enormous strides and has great momentum. I look forward to continuing to build a culture of sustained excellence while showcasing our student-athletes and our great institution."
Henderson serves as a high-level administrator overseeing men's basketball, football, and women's bowling, where he has played a pivotal role in elevating program performance and organizational excellence. He was a key contributor to a historic turnaround in the men's basketball program, helping guide strategic leadership changes, facility enhancements, and competitive success. His football oversight involvement also contributed to unprecedented success, including three conference championships, the program's first FCS playoff win, and its first victory over an FBS opponent.
A recognized leader in student-athlete health and performance, Henderson has successfully designed and implemented a fully integrated, student-athlete-centered healthcare and high-performance model serving more than 550 student-athletes. He provides executive oversight of sports medicine, mental health and counseling, nutrition, and strength and conditioning. His work has strengthened physician partnerships, enhanced care delivery, and generated new revenue streams through innovative healthcare agreements.
Henderson's leadership extends across campus and conference governance, where he actively contributes to numerous key committees pertaining to University work beyond athletics. Henderson also has served as NCAA-designated Healthcare Administrator and Director of Mental Health and Counseling Services, underscoring his expertise in comprehensive student-athlete care. Henderson and his wife, Yvette, are the parents of two sons, both of whom are Duquesne graduates.
Duquesne University Board of Directors Chair Diane Hupp echoed the enthusiasm for Henderson's appointment. "Those who know me know I'm a huge sports fan and attend Duquesne games regularly, and in doing so have come to know and respect John Henderson and all he does for athletics," she said. "While our athletics programs give huge visibility to Duquesne, the students on the field and on the court are the people most impacted by the experience, win or lose—and John's care for them is exemplary. He will do an excellent job."
"I worked closely with John on University safety at the height of the pandemic and was impressed by his organizational acumen, his ability to move and inspire people, and his respect for our students," said David Dausey, executive vice president and provost at Duquesne who will assume the role of President on July 1. "I look forward to working with John as I start my presidency. With his bedrock of experience and time with our programs, I will lean on him as we keep momentum going."
The University will promote Rick Christensen, Senior Associate Athletic Director, to the position of Interim Deputy Athletic Director. Christensen also has served in senior roles within Duquesne athletics, including as compliance coordinator and his current role overseeing administration.
"Rick's longstanding and unwavering commitment to the student-athletes, coaches, and staff make him a trusted and respected leader throughout athletics, the university campus, and the NCAA," said Gormley. "His contributions to broad based success in athletics are immeasurable. He will serve as a critical stabilizer in his well-earned role."
THE ASYLUM
Athletics VP Harper leaves for Baylor
Duquesne University Vice President of Athletics, Dave Harper, has accepted a position with Baylor University as Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director, Duquesne's President Ken Gormley announced Tuesday. John Henderson, currently Senior Associate Athletic Director at Duquesne, has been appointed Interim Athletic Director. Henderson will begin in the role when Harper transitions to the Baylor job in early May.
"We extend our heartfelt congratulations and deep appreciation to Dave Harper for his impressive eleven-year leadership of the athletics program at Duquesne," said Gormley. "Being recruited to work at a Big 12 school like Baylor is a wonderful opportunity and a testament to Dave's extraordinary success in elevating Duquesne's program."
Harper leaves a stellar record at Duquesne, with highlights including the completion of the new UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse; three football conference championships; the addition of popular sports including women's bowling, diving, and acrobatics and tumbling; and most visibly the storybook 2024 season for men's basketball when they earned the 2024 Atlantic 10 championship—the program's first in 47 years—and its first NCAA Tournament victory in 55 years.
His successor, Senior Associate Athletic Director John Henderson, played a key role in achieving each of those successes.
"After consultation with President-elect David Dausey and Board Chair Diane Hupp, we've agreed that John Henderson is well-prepared to take the reins as Interim Athletic Director at Duquesne," said Gormley. "He's spent a decade working alongside Dave and has been an invaluable partner in producing championship teams in men's basketball, football, and other sports. John is ready to move into the top role and leave his own mark."
"I am deeply humbled and honored by the trust placed in me to lead Duquesne athletics, where I have loved serving our student-athletes and helping them drive personal and team success," Henderson said. "Our program has made enormous strides and has great momentum. I look forward to continuing to build a culture of sustained excellence while showcasing our student-athletes and our great institution."
Henderson serves as a high-level administrator overseeing men's basketball, football, and women's bowling, where he has played a pivotal role in elevating program performance and organizational excellence. He was a key contributor to a historic turnaround in the men's basketball program, helping guide strategic leadership changes, facility enhancements, and competitive success. His football oversight involvement also contributed to unprecedented success, including three conference championships, the program's first FCS playoff win, and its first victory over an FBS opponent.
A recognized leader in student-athlete health and performance, Henderson has successfully designed and implemented a fully integrated, student-athlete-centered healthcare and high-performance model serving more than 550 student-athletes. He provides executive oversight of sports medicine, mental health and counseling, nutrition, and strength and conditioning. His work has strengthened physician partnerships, enhanced care delivery, and generated new revenue streams through innovative healthcare agreements.
Henderson's leadership extends across campus and conference governance, where he actively contributes to numerous key committees pertaining to University work beyond athletics. Henderson also has served as NCAA-designated Healthcare Administrator and Director of Mental Health and Counseling Services, underscoring his expertise in comprehensive student-athlete care. Henderson and his wife, Yvette, are the parents of two sons, both of whom are Duquesne graduates.
Duquesne University Board of Directors Chair Diane Hupp echoed the enthusiasm for Henderson's appointment. "Those who know me know I'm a huge sports fan and attend Duquesne games regularly, and in doing so have come to know and respect John Henderson and all he does for athletics," she said. "While our athletics programs give huge visibility to Duquesne, the students on the field and on the court are the people most impacted by the experience, win or lose—and John's care for them is exemplary. He will do an excellent job."
"I worked closely with John on University safety at the height of the pandemic and was impressed by his organizational acumen, his ability to move and inspire people, and his respect for our students," said David Dausey, executive vice president and provost at Duquesne who will assume the role of President on July 1. "I look forward to working with John as I start my presidency. With his bedrock of experience and time with our programs, I will lean on him as we keep momentum going."
The University will promote Rick Christensen, Senior Associate Athletic Director, to the position of Interim Deputy Athletic Director. Christensen also has served in senior roles within Duquesne athletics, including as compliance coordinator and his current role overseeing administration.
"Rick's longstanding and unwavering commitment to the student-athletes, coaches, and staff make him a trusted and respected leader throughout athletics, the university campus, and the NCAA," said Gormley. "His contributions to broad based success in athletics are immeasurable. He will serve as a critical stabilizer in his well-earned role."
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