Iowa names Beth Goetz as interim athletic director effective Aug. 1

After nearly two decades with Gary Barta at the helm, the Iowa Hawkeyes have been in search of a new athletics director. Now, that important decision has been made, at least in the interim, in the form of Beth Goetz.

Iowa shared the news of Goetz’s new title earlier this morning. She will take on the role of AD on August 1st after picking up experience in her roles as the Hawkeye’s deputy director of athletics and chief operating officer.

Beth Goetz will serve as our interim director of athletics, effective Aug. 1.

Goetz, who currently serves as deputy director of athletics and chief operating officer, will hold the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair.#Hawkeyes

— The Iowa Hawkeyes (@TheIowaHawkeyes) June 1, 2023

“Beth is a talented and respected leader, not only at Iowa but also at the national level in college athletics,” said Iowa president Barbara Wilson in a statement. “I am grateful she has agreed to lead this crucial part of our university. (And) I am confident she will generate a lot of excitement and forward momentum for our student-athletes, coaches, athletics staff, and Hawkeye fans.”

“I want to congratulate Gary Barta on his long career at Iowa. And thank President Wilson for putting her trust in me and the tremendous people we have here at Iowa,” Goetz added. “The Hawkeyes have a proud and storied tradition with the greatest fanbase in the country. I am appreciative of the opportunity to lead the department. I am committed to supporting our talented coaches, staff, and student-athletes as we build on the positive trajectory of athletic and academic excellence.”

Goetz hasn’t even been in Iowa City for a year yet as she joined the department last September. She came via Ball State as she served as their athletic director for four years. She has also spent time at UConn as well as Minnesota over the last decade.

In Iowa’s release, it stated that they’re planning a national search to replace Barta at some point in 2024. However, at the moment, many expect Goetz to get her shot at becoming officially official if she isn’t already the favorite.

Barta releases heartfelt statement announcing retirement

Iowa athletic director Gary Barta has released a statement with the news that he will retire on Aug. 1.

“It has been an absolute privilege and honor to serve in this role the past 17 years. I’m humbled to have worked beside and on behalf of so many student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors, fans, and community leaders over the past two decades. The success enjoyed by our student-athletes and coaches during my entire tenure, and especially the past several years, has been impressive and record breaking on so many levels,” Barta said in his statement.

The 59-year-old Barta was first hired by the Hawkeyes in 2006. He had been the athletic director at Wyoming the three years prior to that.

His 17-year run made him one of the longest-serving ADs in the country. Iowa has won four NCAA team titles and 27 Big Ten team titles during his tenure.