The biggest news for DePauw athletics in the past few months occurred off the playing field.
In January, Stefanie ‘Stevie' Baker-Watson was named DePauw University's Theodore Katula Director of Athletics and Recreational Sports, replacing long-time director Page Cotton. Cotton, who has held the position since 1996, will now serve as a senior advisor to President Brian Casey.
Baker-Watson was formerly the assistant athletic director at North Central College in Naperville, Ill., where she will continue to serve until her official arrival on Feb. 20.
"Right now, I'm just doing a lot of groundwork (at North Central)," Baker-Watson said.
Baker-Watson is a graduate of Ohio University and holds a degree in athletic training. She earned a master's in exercise science and cardiac rehabilitation from Northeastern Illinois University before spending eight years at Aurora University, where she served as the head athletic trainer, senior women's administrator and instructor of physical education.
She also serves on the NCAA Division III Membership Committee and the NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women's Internship Grant selection committee.
Baker-Watson was selected from a wide range of candidates by DePauw's search committee over a two and half month process that included many interviews. She admits that she may feel a bit of a learning curve at the start of her tenure as athletic director — especially with only about 36 hours on campus so far.
"Right now I'm not the expert of what is or is not DePauw," Baker-Watson said. "It's really about coming in and tweaking things and meeting people."
Baker-Watson understands the high expectations that come with DePauw athletics. Every year for the past seven years, the Tigers have finished in the top 40 for the Learfield Sports Division III Director's Cup and have ranked first among all Indiana schools in the program's 16 year existence.
"There are certain institutions that bring to mind greatness. DePauw is one of them," Baker-Watson said. "I really respect the university. People have been very successful here. I've always felt they had great strengths in the longevity of their coaches and the energy of the people on the administration... It was a no-brainer at decision time."
Which means she's under pressure to maintain the high expectations and results of Tiger Athletics. She sees this as one of her goals, but also creating a clear identity for sports at DePauw. Specifically, what it means to be a DePauw student-athlete.
"I believe in the [Division III] philosophy," she said. "We all agree we want to be successful. Students didn't come to DePauw to be mediocre. They want to be exceptional."
Baker-Watson wants students and future students to understand the challenges and rewards of being a student-athlete at DePauw. She professes a message of high athletic performance along with success in the classroom. And she's ready to make the personal connection to make that happen.
"Interaction will always be important — I want students to know they can come to me any time."
Baker-Watson now joins the over 120 females who serve as athletic director's for Division III universities and colleges. According to a 2010 Orlando Sentinel report, women account for nineteen percent of all athletic director jobs across Division I, II and III schools. Although the majority of those individuals fall between the Division II and III categories, just nine percent of all Division 1 directors are female.
At DePauw, Baker-Watson will oversee 23 varsity sports in addition to the various intramural and club sports programs. She will begin as athletic director on Feb. 20.
