Kevin Anderson
For Kevin Anderson, student-athletes’ success on the field is just as important as in the classroom.
So when he came to this university in 2010, the athletic director sought to emphasize the “student” in student-athlete. And that commitment to well-rounded success helped lead the Washington Business Journal to honor Anderson as one of the top 25 minority business leaders — out of 125 considered — for his entrepreneurial drive, creativity and success in his position.
“This program started because a lot of folks were not being honored in other similar award programs, and we wanted to recognize these minorities for their work,” said Roger Hughlett, the Journal’s social engagement manager. “Kevin Anderson is without a doubt deserving of his honor. He is a great example of someone who has risen to the top ranks of collegiate athletics and has had a big influence on his professional realm.”
Soon after Anderson assumed his position, he was faced with two hires that could help make or break his athletic department’s success.
The department bought out the last year of former football coach Ralph Friedgen’s contract for $2 million, and former men’s basketball coach Gary Williams announced he was retiring after more than 20 years at the helm. In just a few weeks, Anderson hired Randy Edsall to lead a football team that had seen little success in several years and Mark Turgeon to coach a basketball team that had been drawing smaller crowds to Comcast Center.
The challenges, however, hardly stopped there. He and university President Wallace Loh were faced with what they both described as the most heart-wrenching decision they ever had to make. After a task force found the athletic department would face a $4.7 million deficit if it didn’t make a drastic change, Loh and Anderson ultimately cut seven teams to help balance the department’s budget.
“Very simply, my hope in this job is to run a business that allows young men and women to gain their dreams by competing on the field and in the classroom,” Anderson said.
This year marks the sixth consecutive year the Journal has recognized minority business owners and leaders living in the Washington region. The goal of the program is to shine the spotlight on people who may not be well-known, but who have demonstrated business success, Hughlett said.
Judges also look for community involvement and philanthropy work, and Anderson’s commitment to developing relationships with student-athletes and rewarding scholarships for academic excellence fit the bill.
“At the end of the day, Kevin always keeps students at the center of his decision-making,” said J. Batt, associate athletic director. “He cares deeply for student-athletes, and his motivation of his heart is what sets the pace for his work.”
Women’s basketball forward Alyssa Thomas said Anderson takes a vested interest in student-athletes by rooting for them at games and taking time to speak with them.
“[Anderson] is always swinging by practices and games and makes a point to know all the athletes,” she said. “I think that’s really important in a leader, to show how much he cares and he’s behind us all the way. At Maryland, we definitely talk about being the best in everything we do, and I think he lives by that as well.”
Other 2013 honorees include George Mason President Angel Cabrera, Montgomery College President DeRionne Pollard and Jenel Wyatt, regional medical director of Johns Hopkins Community Physicians. Appearing on that list of honorees helps keep Anderson motivated to continue improving, he said.
“Anything in your life should be perceived as a learning experience,” he said. “The beauty of being around all of these brilliant people is that I’m able to learn from them.”
