Hendrick Durham Auto Mall congratulates Kevin White on his appointment as the new athletics director at Duke University and sends him a hearty "Welcome To Durham."

White, the former AD at Notre Dame, was named to his new position during a Saturday news conference at Duke. He replaced Joe Alleva, a former good customer of Hendrick Durham Auto Mall, who resigned in April to become AD at LSU.

At the press conference, Duke President Richard Brodhead called White "a passionate, inspiring leader" committed to pushing athletes to excel on the field and in the classroom.

According to news reports, White will be expected to carry out Duke's first strategic plan for the athletics program. Released in May, the plan calls for bolstering its competitive athletics -- including facilities and scholarships -- and increasing options for intramural sports.

Duke reportedly has placed an importance on improving its struggling football program and has announced an ambitious plan to update Wallace Wade Stadium.

In addition to being a skilled AD, White holds a Ph.D. in education and has taught graduate-level business classes.

Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, who drives a Tahoe purchased from Rick Hendrick Chevrolet, said in a story published on WRAL.com that he considered White "a good friend and one of the most respected people in intercollegiate athletics.

"He brings a wealth of experience," Krzyzewski said, "and is someone who people admire,in addition to respecting."

Prior to joining Notre Dame, the 57-year-old White served as AD at four other colleges and coached track and field on the college and high-school levels. He earned his Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University and also did graduate work at Harvard University and Central Michigan University.

He and his wife Jane, a physical education instructor and former track-and-field coach, have five children.

"This hire is not just a home run, but a grand slam home run for Duke," ACC Commissioner John D. Swofford told reporters.

Labels: Hendrick Durham Auto Mall, Kevin White, Duke, Joe Alleva, Mike Krzyzewski, John Swofford, WRAL.com, Richard Brodhead

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