Job for Judith?

Davidson’s future uncertain as dream of recreation center fades

The future seems uncertain for former athletic director Judith Davidson. As the current director of Athletic and Recreation Facility Development, Davidson has been working to develop a student recreation center, but students voted down a $90 increase in fees that would have provided the funding base for such a facility.

In the wake of the defeat of Referendum #1, Davidson’s future at CSUS grows even more uncertain as administrators scramble to define Davidson’s official post, for which she still receives $103,440 a year salary.

Shirley Uplinger, vice president of student affairs, in an interview last week, said that “there is a major job to be done in developing the recreation center and Judith Davidson is doing just that.”

But in an interview following Wednesday’s the defeat of the recreation center, President Don Gerth said that he was never aware that Davidson had been involved in the center’s development.

“I have no information whether Judith Davidson ever worked on the development of a recreation center,” said Gerth. “As I understand it, Judith’s duties are currently to develop an athletic arena.”

“I have no further comment regarding Judith Davidson’s job duties,” said Gerth.

Uplinger said on Monday that the university intends to keep Davidson on the payroll.

“Our response is that the administration still supports the development of a recreation center,” said Uplinger. “Regardless of whether it happens next week or next year is unimportant. What is important is that the administration would like Judith Davidson to head that development.”

Davidson chose not to comment on the role administration would like her to play in the future.

“My thoughts regarding the administration and the methods in which they manage this campus are not for public comment anymore,” said Davidson.

Despite the failure of the student recreation center fee, Davidson is confident the issue will be addressed in the near future.

“This is an important facility for this campus,” said Davidson. “Work on it will continue, and it may come around again next year.”

Until that time, Davidson’s job only calls for the possible development an athletic arena.

“That’s my job and that’s all I plan to do,” said Davidson.

Davidson’s salary is the same amount that she earned as athletic director at CSUS. After May 10, Davidson’s salary will be reviewed by the university. Ninety days will have passed since her reassignment as director of Athletic and Recreation Facility Development.

In an earlier interview, Sean South, ASI director of postbaccalaureate students, said that the money being spent on Davidson’s salary should be sent right to the athletics program.

“Judith Davidson consistently received glowing reviews as athletics director. To this day I don’t understand why she was reassigned,” said Sean South, who further said, “Despite what I think of Judith, I think the money being spent on her salary could be better spent elsewhere.”