During its spring meeting Thursday held over online video conferencing, the University of Georgia Athletic Association Board of Directors unanimously voted for a one-year contract extension for J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Greg McGarity.
UGA President Jere W. Morehead said of the extension: “I’m just very happy that Greg has agreed to stay on this year. I think particularly now, with all that we’re going through — in this country and in intercollegiate athletics — with all the challenges that we’ve faced, Greg’s experience and having that continuity is really good for UGA at this time.”
It also approved a budget of $149.4 million for the fiscal year 2021, which McGarity noted has been subject to a number of contingency plans and undecided factors, particularly the amount of spectators that will be allowed to attend football games. “As we learn more in the coming weeks, we could need to make adjustments to this budget,’’ he said. “A lot depends on where football is and how it’s affected, with the definition of ‘mass gatherings’ and what we’re able to do.”
As part of McGarity’s report, Senior Deputy Athletic Director Josh Brooks delivered an update regarding the Butts-Mehre expansion project, an $80 million dollar endeavor which will augment the athletic facility. Despite weather issues and the pandemic, the project is progressing on time and within budget.
Faculty Athletics Representative Professor David Shipley also delivered a report on student-athlete academic outcomes this semester. According to Shipley, despite the mid-semester shift to online learning, student-athletes turned in a 3.34 overall grade point average, which is believed to be an all-time best.