RAY M. PURPUR
January 4, 2016
James H McCormick
Senior Consultant
AGB Search
Dear Mr. McCormick and the Members of the Presidential Search Committee:
I am pleased to present my materials for the position of President at the University of North
Dakota. My entire career has been devoted to excellence and integrity as witnessed during my
professional tenure at Stanford University. That journey began more than 32 years ago as a college
freshman and student athletic trainer at the University of North Dakota and continues today as a
member of the intercollegiate athletics, physical education and recreation program at Stanford
University.
In addressing the preferred attributes of the position as outlined, I believe my resume will highlight
the areas of leadership, building on historical strengths, consensus building, embracing diversity, and
overall management of internal and external operations of an intercollegiate athletics program. I
have been very fortunate with the opportunity to learn from some of the best academic and athletic
leaders in the nation during my career. I currently serve as the Deputy Director of Athletics,
Physical Education and Recreation at Stanford University, which gives me the opportunity to work
with virtually all administrative areas within the university and with some of the brightest studentathletes in the nation. It is an honor to work with the students and to provide outstanding academic
and athletic experiences for them. I would welcome the opportunity to do the same at the
University of North Dakota.
One of my strengths will be working with the Chancellor and the NDUS staff along with the North
Dakota State Board of Higher Education. I deeply believe in a system of collaborative governance.
I work very well within our current structure of governance at Stanford. The Stanford athletic
department has 7 internal advisory boards that meet regularly. We have multiple senior positions
that report into the respective administrative area within the University, in addition to the several
oversight committees within the Stanford Board of Trustees. We also work collaboratively with the
Pac 12 Conference and the NCAA. I would work hard to make sure the relationship UND has with
the other schools within the NDUS is on excellent terms.
I believe strongly in breaking down as many silos as possible and integrating athletics within the
university. I would work efficiently to further integrate not only athletics within the university but
integrate many other parts of the university as well. At Stanford, you will not see mid-year enrollees,
athletic floors, separate dining halls, separate athletic and recreation facilities or one-stop tutoring
centers. All these things and more are integrated into the rest of the academic and administrative
system of the university.
What I hope to convey in this letter related to my leadership skills is that I work very well with
diverse groups and individuals. I am able to work well with high profile coaches, administrators, and
faculty. It all comes down to leadership, respect and great listening skills. I have been involved at the
762 Esplanada Way, Stanford, CA 94305-1073
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RAY M. PURPUR
highest levels of personnel management at Stanford. That is why I am so confident that any possible
challenges presented by the position are well matched to my strong communication skills, as well as
my ability to articulate and advance the vision and mission of the University of North Dakota.
Another one of my strengths, and one in which I have a great deal of experience, is developing
visionary and sound short and long-term strategic plans. These plans are crafted around specific
core values which then lead the way to goals that not only serve to guide the program, but also set
the standard for excellence. Executing that strategic vision for all of the University’s many
constituencies is a mission I would embrace with great enthusiasm. By pursuing that mission, the
University of North Dakota will continue to attract the best student, faculty, staff and
administrators.
My fundraising skills are very strong and I have been involved in scores of “gift asks” over the years.
These have resulting in gifts for capital projects, scholarships, annual gifts and major gifts for special
projects. I recently met with the parent of a student-athlete to show them some future plans for the
renovation of the team’s competition venue. I only expected a small gift and some advice on the
layout of the building. We spent time at both the architect and contractors’ offices and by the end of
the day, I had received a verbal commitment of a mid-six figure gift to go directly to the facility.
Needless to say, it was an afternoon well spent.
From the very beginning, I have been deeply involved in the Stanford BeWell Program. The
program was started within the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation.
BeWell serves as the health and wellness resource for all faculty, staff and their families. By
facilitating a culture of wellness we promote individuals and families to adapt and maintain a healthy
lifestyle. I personally would continue the vision of UND, and aspire to take it to the next level. I
am convinced that a healthy lifestyle brings academic and professional success.
Some of Stanford Athletics’ biggest innovations have been off the field. To varying degrees I have
been involved in concussion study, rapid thermal exchange and virtual reality. For the past 5 years
football game impact has been measured with sensors on players’ mouthpieces and can be studied
from the angle and spot of impact. Rapid thermal exchange is a cooling system used for recovery.
A hand is placed in the device, which immediately cools the players’ core temperature. As for virtual
reality, no team has used the technology more. Using a high-tech headset, our quarterback can read
defenses and get more reps without absorbing the blows associated with a typical practice. This
technology will change the way learning and repetition in sports takes place.
As president, I would capitalize on my strengths, while working diligently on surrounding myself
with the best people that have strengths that I am lacking. Building a senior team, that works well
together will be a top priority. I have always built teams that don’t always agree, but believe in the
mission and the goals that have been set. This situation builds respect and collaboration within the
team and always advances the tasks at hand.
762 Esplanada Way, Stanford, CA 94305-1073
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RAY M. PURPUR
In order to realize sustained long-term success at the University of North Dakota, I believe the
University must maintain its core values and tradition to ensure that all students have an outstanding
experience while improving certain processes and striving for continued success in graduation rates.
I think that the deliberate focus on academics at UND will serve as a guide in developing more
“success stories” related to the university, while strengthening the bridge to the community.
I appreciate the opportunity to present my materials. It would be my pleasure to discuss with you,
and the members of the Presidential Search Committee any additional information and questions
you will have regarding my candidacy and how I will lead the University of North Dakota into the
future. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ray M. Purpur
762 Esplanada Way, Stanford, CA 94305-1073
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Ray M. Purpur
762 Esplanada Way • Stanford, CA 94305-1073
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28 YEARS OF UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP IN ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION
Tireless advocate for ethical, responsible and revenue-rich program management in sports & recreation,
employing the highest commitment to excellence and integrity in athletics and academics. Strengths include:
Strategic Planning | Administration | Budgeting | Development | Compliance
Personnel Management | Facilities & Capital Improvements | Revenue Optimization
EDUCATION
Master of Arts | University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA | 1994
Sport Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND | 1987
Major: Marketing
LEADERSHIP AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Stanford University | Stanford, CA | 1994-Present
W inner, Division I NACDA Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup for 21 straight years
Deputy Director of Athletics, Physical Education & Recreation (2006-Present)
Steadily advanced through increasing responsibilities in this Division I institution
Leader in Department of Athletics, Physical Education & Recreation (DAPER) programs encompassing 36
varsity sports, 32 club sports, 27 intramural sports and 22 athletic & recreation venues, with 100+ coaches,
200+ full-time staff members, scores of part-time staff members and 900+ student-athletes.
Served as Instructor for Business Practices of Sports & Recreation (Ath. 189) (2008-2013).
Reports to the Director of Athletics, Physical Education & Recreation, and the Vice Provost for Budget &
Auxiliaries Management.
Responsibilities:
• With coaches and staff, develop immediate, annual and long-range strategic plans to provide a solid
foundation for fundraising, capital improvements, and student and staff recruitment/retention. Create and
spearhead visionary strategic revenue-producing programs and activities.
• Work with head coaches of all sports in strategic planning for day-to-day operations, event management
and special projects.
• Maintain compliance with University, Pac-12, NCAA, Santa Clara County and federal regulations, including
diversity needs.
• Managed departmental legal issues and served as liaison with University General Counsel (2005-2010).
• Oversee capital planning and projects, including an ongoing long-term $675M facilities plan.
• Managed entire $80M+ total department budget, encompassing all auxiliaries, administrative and sports
budgets, compensation and scholarships. Reviewed all NCAA audits, Equity in Athletics, NCAA
attendance audits and all Stanford internal audits (2005-2010).
Ray M. Purpur
• Managed all major spectator events within athletic facilities (1994-2013).
• Administer department auxiliaries, including the Stanford Golf Course (membership, operations and
advisory board), Stanford Campus Recreation Association (membership, operations and board) and Red
Barn Student Equestrian Center.
• Administered and supervised two sailing teams and three crew teams (2000-2010); and baseball team (20082011).
• Negotiate vendor and sponsor contracts and affiliate programs.
• Coordinate department risk management program, working with university’s risk management team.
• Provide ethical leadership and promote interdepartmental cooperation through partnership with the
university’s administrative and academic community.
• Work closely with the Stanford Alumni Association with alumni events, speaking engagements and tours.
• Conduct public presentations in support of university and community relations.
• Initiate, steward and develop donor relationships; encourage facility gifts, endowments and other gifts.
Research and pursue potential donors.
• Develop relationships with City of Palo Alto, Palo Alto Unified School District, and County of Santa Clara.
• Coordinated comprehensive guest services program for all spectator events (1994-2013).
Highlights (1994-Present):
• Implemented operational efficiencies to support and sustain department staff growth from 125 to 300+, as
well as expansion of budget, from $19M (1994) to $103M (2015). Implemented zero-based budgeting for
all administrative and sports program budgets tied directly to goals of the program. Reorganized Human
Resources and Accounting & Finance Departments; balanced DAPER budget all five years as CFO (20052010).
• As Sports Administrator, hired and extended contracts of four Head Coaches (2000-2010), three of whom
have earned Coach of the Year awards: Al Acosta, Former Women's Lightweight Coach (Collegiate
Rowing Coaches Association National Coach of the Year, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013); Yaz Farooq,
Women' Rowing Coach (CRCA National Coach of the Year 2009); Craig Amerkanian, Men's Rowing
Coach (Pac 10 Coach of the Year, 2006 and 2009).
• Introduced and developed Women’s Lightweight Rowing Program (2001), which has earned 5 National
Championship titles in the past six years.
• Served as Chair, Football Operations Committee (1994-2013).
• Work with NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative to improve faculty understanding of Title IX and internal
athletic operations.
• Worked collaboratively with students, faculty, staff and administration to created new and innovative
campus revenue generating recreational opportunities:
- Reorganized outside entities of Masters Swimming and Red Barn Equestrian Center into Stanford
University structure.
- Created Operating Agreement for Stanford Campus Recreation Association, an outside entity, to be
managed by Stanford (2005-2015). Reorganized into Stanford University structure.
- Initiated and opened Stanford Medical School Student Fitness Center.
- Initiated, fundraised, and opened the new SLAC National Laboratory fitness facilities and sports fields.
- Started initial planning on new recreation center at Stanford University-Redwood City
• To date, have led $565M+ in facility upgrades and construction projects, from design and build to opening
and occupancy, adding 648,000 new square feet of space. Projects included $103M, nine-month renovation
project for Stanford Stadium (2005).
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Ray M. Purpur
• Restructured and expanded department’s endowment program; continue to lead and support solicitation
and stewardship efforts. Directly solicited more than $335M in gifts.
• Conceived and developed guest services program, including creation and annual updating of Guest Services
Manual and training for all game day employees.
• Created new housing for coaches: With donor/developer led on-campus construction of 25 single-family
homes, from foundation up, in the most expensive housing area in all of Division I athletics. Additionally,
obtained seven homes for coaches and staff members, overseeing funding, purchase contracts and all
renovations.
• Developed dozens of ongoing donor relationships that have resulted in expansion from one-time gifts to
annual donations to major gifts. Secured several student academic need and student-athlete full-scholarship
endowments and four partial endowments for facilities upkeep.
• Currently collaborating with the new Pac-12 Network to provide programming from Stanford Athletics.
• Negotiated with AT&T to establish first collegiate public wi-fi for all sports venues on campus, creating
mobile access at events. This enables fans to order concessions online, check player stats and view replays.
• Established and re-negotiated pouring-rights contract with major soft-drink supplier; arranged concessions
contracts; developed sponsorship with leading sports footwear manufacturer. Product and service provider
contracts currently total $2M+ per year.
• Negotiate large events coming to Stanford University, including final negotiations for World Cup Soccer at
Stanford Stadium (1994); Bank of the West Tennis Tournament (1996-2017); Women’s World Cup (1999);
Ping Pong Diplomacy (1996, 2011); eight Major League Soccer games at Stanford Stadium (current) and
USA Rugby Finals (2003-2013).
• Reduced insurance costs through negotiation of premium rates and minimization of risks.
• Have helped to maintain Stanford’s status as one of only four Division I FBS schools with zero major
NCAA violations.
• Selected to sit on committee for NCAA Certification: Stanford University (2005-2006).
Previous positions at Stanford University:
Senior Associate Director of Athletics | 2005-2006
Associate Director of Athletics | 2001-2005
Senior Assistant Director of Athletics | 2000-2001
Assistant Director of Athletics for Operations and Finance | 1996-2000
Assistant Director of Athletics for Operations | 1994-1995
University of The Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1987 – 1994
After experience as undergraduate student athletic trainer, focused on graduate work in Sports Sciences, accepting
role as Graduate Assistant to Director of Athletics. Advanced through several positions to:
Assistant Director of Athletics | 1991-1994
Managed all facilities, operations and events; developed long-range facilities plan for Athletic Department.
Served as Chairman of Game Management, Facilities, Campus Parking and Traffic Committees. Created job
descriptions for all operations personnel. Developed guest comfort plan to enhance guest experience.
Additionally, supervised summer camps, intramural and cheer team and club sports programs.
Highlights:
• Reorganized Event Center and stadium management, producing budget surplus for first time in 10 years.
• Recognized three times as top 3rd fundraiser for the Pacific Athletic Foundation.
• Created Facilities Master Plan and supervised building of 3 new athletics and recreation facilities and
numerous renovations
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Ray M. Purpur
Previous positions at University of the Pacific:
Assistant to the Director of Athletics | 1990
Director of Athletic Operations | 1989-1990
Assistant Athletic Business Manager | 1988-1989
Graduate Assistant to Director of Athletics & Recreation | 1987-1988
University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | 1983 – 1987
Student Athletic Trainer | 1983-1987
UND Letter Winner in Athletic Training |1983-1987
Jack Mayfield Athletic Scholarship |1983-1984
Athletic Department Scholarship |1984-1987
UNIVERSITY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
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Member, Buildings & Grounds Committee, Castilleja School, Palo Alto, CA (2015-present)
Guest Lecturer, Menlo College, Menlo Park, CA (2014 –Present)
Honorary Rotarian, Palo Alto University Rotary (2012-Present)
Board Member, University of the Pacific’s Athletic Leadership Council, Stockton, CA (2012-present)
President, Stanford Faculty Club (2010-Present); Board Member (2005-Present)
Board Member, Pacific Fund, University of The Pacific, Stockton, CA (2007-2010)
Board Member, Positive Coaching Alliance (2006-Present); Development Committee (2013-current)
Board Liaison, Special Committee for Athletics, Stanford Board of Trustees (2005-Present)
Board Liaison, DAPER Investment Fund Board of Directors (2005-Present)
Board Member, 2009 National Senior Games (2005-2010)
Stanford University Fellow (2004-2006)
Executive Board Member, Track & Field Foundation (2003-2013)
Strategic Planning Consultant for University of Maryland, Santa Clara University, University of the Pacific,
University of California-Merced and California State-East Bay (2001-2012)
Chair, San Jose Arena Authority (2005-2009); Board Member (2000-2013)
Planning Consultant for the UND Ralph Engelstad Arena for Ralph Engelstad (2000-2001)
Honorary Chair, Palo Alto Concours D’Elegance (2007 & 2011); Honorary Judge (2000-2012)
Board Member, San Jose Sports Hall of Fame (1998-2006)
Member, Local Organizing Committee for 1999 Women's World Cup (1997-1999)
Member, Executive Board, 1999 Women's Basketball Final Four, San Jose (1997-1999)
Chair, 100th Big Game Joint Committee: Stanford vs. California (1997)
Member, Committee on Stanford Commencement Ceremonies (1996-2014)
Sector Coordinator, Olympic Stadium, 1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta (1996)
Class Chair, University of North Dakota Annual Fund Drive (1996)
Chair, Cal/Stanford Big Game Joint Committee (1995-2011, odd years)
Board Liaison, Land & Buildings Committee, Stanford Board of Trustees (1994-Present)
Stanford Powwow Logistics Committee (1994-2011)
Stadium Manager, World Cup Soccer at Stanford Stadium (1994)
President, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Stockton, CA (1993-1994)
President, American Heart Association of San Joaquin County (1993-1994)
Board Member, Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau (1992-1994)
Vice Chair, American Red Cross Disaster Services, Grand Forks (1985-1987)
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Ray M. Purpur
PUBLICATIONS: HIGHLIGHTS
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Digital Food Concessions & Merchandise Sales, College Sports Business News, Sept 2011
Developing a Successful In-House Newsletter, Facility Manager, Dec 2003/Jan 2004
Fall Training Camp for Your Game Day Staff, Facility Manager, Nov/Dec 2001
The Guests are Here!, Athletic Management, Feb/Mar 2001 (co-author)
PUBLIC SPEAKING: HIGHLIGHTS
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Numerous speaking engagements at Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary and Chamber of Commerce
Keynote Address, Faculty Club 50th Anniversary Celebration
Speaker, Increasing Fan Engagement, The Collegiate Athletics Summit, Austin Texas, (2013)
Keynote Address, Pac-12 Environmental Health and Safety Conference (2011)
Keynote Address, 12th Annual Conference for Foundations and Endowments (2011)
Speaker, U.S. Sports Academy Thailand Study Tour Group (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
Speaker, History of Stanford Stadium, Stanford Historical Society (2006)
Speaker, USA Rugby Collegiate Coaches Seminar (2004)
Instructor, Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management, Florida, Ohio, Arizona (2003-2005)
Speaker, Western States Sports Management Conference (2003, 2005)
Speaker, Successful Fundraising Strategies, The Collegiate Athletics Summit (2002)
Speaker, Training for Success: Ensuring Frequent Customer Visits, Street & Smith’s Maximizing Revenue
Generation Conference (2002)
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Born and raised in Grand Forks, North Dakota
Graduated from Red River High School in 1983
Happily married for 24 years to Terrie Purpur
Two children:
Resides on the Stanford campus
Grandfather and Grandmother, Al & Vi Purpur, worked at UND for 39 years each
Great Uncle, Fido Purpur, Head Hockey Coach at UND, 1949-1956
Great Uncle, Ken Purpur, played hockey at UND, 1951-1954
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Michael Meyer
12337 Mesa Grove Drive
Riverside, CA 92503
Work
Cell
Attn: James H. McCormick, Senior Consultant
AGB Search
RE: Nomination of Ray Purpur for President of the University of North Dakota
Dear Mr. McCormick and UND Presidential Search Committee,
Please accept this letter as a nomination and endorsement for Mr. Ray Purpur of Stanford University and
Palo Alto, CA as a candidate to be the next president of The University of North Dakota (UND).
At this time UND needs not only a leader, but a true champion for UND. Mr. Purpur is exactly this type of
leader. Under his leadership, UND would continue to build upon its reputation as a leader in higher
education in the region and the world. As a UND alumnus and a born-and-raised North Dakotan, he has a firm understanding of the
environment, opportunities, and challenges in which the UND President operates in. As an experienced
leader and administrator at Stanford University he will bring a vast array of experiences and connections
that will expand the opportunities and vision for the university.
I have known Mr. Purpur in many capacities through the years and his love of UND, his integrity, and his
wealth of experiences combine to make him the perfect candidate to be the next president of UND.
Relationship-building needs to be a priority for the next president. Building and strengthening connections
between UND and the many constituents connected with the university is critical. This is a strength of Mr.
Purpur. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with him in these type of settings, and he is at home
whether it is meeting in a board room with legislators or a coffee shop with retired alumni.
I am unable to list all of his accomplishments, but he has played a key role in the success of the Stanford
University athletics program. Stanford is recognized as the finest athletic program in the nation, as shown
by Stanford receiving the NCAA I Director’s Cup award for overall excellence for the past twenty- one
consecutive years. He will bring this understanding of what success means on a campus to UND.
UND needs a transformational leader who understands that leadership involves not only the leaders, but
the followers. A willingness to communicate and understand the unique environment that is North Dakota
will be critical to the success of the next president and to the success of UND.
For a transformational leader; a passionate advocate of UND; a team builder; an effective communicator;
a successful fundraiser; and a North Dakotan looking to “come home” to support and build the future of
UND, look no further than Mr. Ray Purpur, UND class of 1986. Thank you for your consideration, and if I may be of any service, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Michael Meyer
Associate Vice President University Advancement
California Baptist University