You have asked three very good questions.  Please see the answers that follow.

Since the beginning of the transition from Division II to Division I, has there been a significant increase in revenue from ticket sales amongst the major competitive sports?

We have not seen a significant increase in ticket sales.  Season ticket sales have remained stable and we have not seen an increase in sales from visiting fans, either.  In the last two years we have had Top 20 FCS football teams visit Bailey Memorial Stadium and surprisingly those teams have not brought many fans to the games.  This may be just a reflection on the state of the national economy.  With the help of Mrs. Ashley Powell, we have increased our promotional efforts, but it has not yet yielded the production in increased numbers of spectators or increase in ticket revenues anticipated.  However, on the positive side, with Mrs. Powell's leadership, we have seen the increase in sponsorship support that has helped the revenue production tremendously.  Future increase in ticket revenue will result from the success our teams will have.  While we have been very competitive and have had some remarkable successes, we have not yet sustained the consistent success that will be critical to producing increased spectator support - and result in increased ticket sales and revenue.  This sustained success will come but it will take time.

Also, I understand the jump from divisions allows more scholarships to be awarded, depending on the sport. Who determines how each scholarship is awarded? As the AD, do you make that decision or does it stem from the particular sport's coaching staff?

Our head coaches make the decisions with respect to awarding of athletic financial aid. This is done in communication with our Director of Financial Aid to ensure each student-athlete receives the best possible financial aid award available.  Coaches must balance the resources available for scholarships with the needs of their teams including athleticism, position needs, academic ability and class composition (among other criteria).  So in some cases an outstanding student-athlete may not receive an award offer if the head coach determines the athlete's skills and abilities (no matter how good) do not fit with the current or future needs of the team.  It is often a very difficult and occasionally a subjective decision.  The AD and compliance staff review each offer of financial aid to ensure compliance issues are satisfied as well, but the final decision on the amount of the award always rests with the respective team's head coach. 

Lastly, do you believe the nation's current economic situation is delaying the overall success of PC athletics (recruiting, winning, renovating)? If so, is there a conscious effort in re-evaluating future goals and accomplishments within the athletic department?

Yes, the national economic situation has impacted the PC campus and each of our athletic teams significantly.  It has impacted the ability to raise funds for our most pressing facility needs.  We are still on track to complete the transition to full Division I membership in September 2011 so that process has not been delayed.  I am confident that the new AD will conduct a thorough review of the needs of each team balanced against the resources available to determine the most appropriate course of action to follow to ensure the successful transition into Division I and to achieve the desired consistent competitive success mentioned above. 

This is my final installment of "Ask the AD."  I want to thank everyone for the support and encouragement given to PC athletics over the time I have served our great young student-athletes and coaches.  It has been an honor and privilege to serve my alma mater.  I will always look back on this time as one of the most challenging and rewarding in my life.  I will be around to cheer our teams as they compete and look forward to seeing which team is the first to win a Big South regular season championship and which will be the first to earn a berth in the NCAA tournament! 

Finally, I hope each of you will have a blessed and peaceful Christmas holiday. 

As always...Go Blue Hose!