UConn Announces Interim Athletics Chief

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — The president of the University of Connecticut says she picked an interim director of the school's athletics program for his ability to run an enterprise as she seeks to end problems related to fundraising and compliance with NCAA rules.

Susan Herbst, president of the state's flagship university, announced Sunday that former associate athletics director Paul Pendergast has been hired as interim director.

He succeeds Jeff Hathaway, who left his job Friday.

Herbst had initiated an evaluation of the athletic department, focusing on academic performance, NCAA compliance and fundraising. Hathaway was criticized over troubles such as sanctions against the basketball team for NCAA violations, declining academic scores among men's basketball players and a drop in donations.

In a conference call with reporters, Herbst said she will demand perfect compliance with college athletic rules.