Hart to Depart...Bound for Berry College
Webster University Athletics announces Dr. Tom Hart's departure
as Director of Athletics to fill the position of Director of
Athletics at Berry College in Rome, Ga. At Berry, Hart will
head an NCAA III program with 21 sports, including football.
Hart's last day at Webster will be July 31.
In Hart's 19 years as director, Webster athletics grew from 72
student-athletes and eight sports to 220 student-athletes and 14
sports. Webster teams totaled 49 NCAA tournament appearances,
and won 52 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC)
titles. The Gorloks captured the SLIAC 'All-Sports' Award in
2012-13 for a ninth consecutive year.
Webster athletes have excelled in the classroom as well under
Hart's tutelage. In 2012-13, 51 Webster student athletes were
named SLIAC Academic All-Conference, having cumulative grade point
averages of 3.5 or better.
Hart's other accomplishments included:
- Helping develop the UrbanFuture program where
student-athletes and coaches help 6-8th graders with
after school tutoring at Fanning Middle School in the City of St.
Louis. In 2012, Webster Athletics was recognized with an
Award of Merit by the NADIIIIA for the program.
- Working to secure a 15-year agreement with the Scott
Gallagher Soccer Club for Webster's use of playing facilities for
men's and women's soccer at the St. Louis Soccer Park.
- Coordinating the agreement for Webster athletics to manage
the Webster Groves Tennis Center
- Initiating the rebranding of a
department 'Gorlok' logo specific for athletics
- Serving as President of the Webster
Groves/Shrewsbury Chamber of Commerce
- Chairing the NCAA III men's basketball committee
- Serving as President of the SLIAC
Hart said, "Having the opportunity to lead the Webster University
athletic department for nearly twenty years has provided me with
many friendships and memories that will remain a lasting part of my
professional experience. I would like to thank the Webster
University administration, especially Dr. Ted Hoef, for continued
support and guidance during this period of significant growth and
development for the Gorloks."
"I am proud to have worked with the passionate and committed
student athletes, coaches and staff at Webster and, as an
interested alumnus, will keep an eye on their future
accomplishments."
Hart came to Webster in 1991 as an assistant men's basketball
coach and was named head coach in 1992, coaching five
seasons. In 1994, Hart was named Director of Athletics at
Webster. Hart later started and coached men's golf at
Webster, becoming one of only two individuals named as a SLIAC
Coach of the Year in two different sports.
Prior to Webster, Hart was an assistant coach in the Continental
Basketball Association with the Rockford (IL) Lightning. Hart also
served as head men's basketball coach at Ulster County Community
College and as an assistant at U.S. International University.
A native of Utica, New York, Hart attended Niagara University and
earned a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1983. Hart
earned his master's degree from U.S. International University (San
Diego) in psychology in 1985. In 2013, Hart earned his
Doctorate in Management from Webster University.
For the past 16 years Hart served as an adjunct faculty member at
Webster as well, having taught a first-year seminar entitled "Bruce
Springsteen's America." He also taught various learning
strategies classes as well.
COURTESY OF WEBSTER UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION OFFICE