Kline resigns SWA position
Campus Times
February 6, 1998
Julie Kline recently stepped down from her position of Senior Women's
Administrator of the Athletic Department.
The University of La Verne's position of Senior Women's Administrator
of the Athletic Department was opened this week as acting administrator
Julie Kline resigned from the position which she had held since 1996.
After four years as assistant basketball coach at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps,
where Kline started the softball program and also coached track and field,
Kline moved on to become an assistant professor of physical education and
head women's basketball and softball coach at the University of La Verne
in 1992.
Kline resigned from the Senior Women's Administrator after serving two
years in the position.
"My reasons for resigning are strictly professional and by no means
personal in any way," said Kline. "I believe the current philosophy,
expectations and reasons for the SWA position here at ULV do not substantiate
the title of Senior Women Administrator. I also believe the potential for
this position could serve as an invaluable resource for the ULV Athletic
Department."
The delegated position of senior women's administrator was created two
years ago by the NCAA to give women a stronger administrative standing in
the athletic process.
More recently the connotation of the adviser's position has been what
Athletic Director Jim Paschal refers to as a "watchdog" position
and has led many women at other local institutions to reconsider the actual
effectiveness and influence of the relatively new position.
In Kline's case, Paschal believed that her resignation was not an issue
of women's rights, but that of professional decision.
"My belief is that Julie stepped down with thoughts and concerns
about the responsibilities of the delegated position," Paschal said.
According to Paschal, the position is too undefined and almost not necessary
for the University of La Verne.
"There is definitely a need for women in administration, but the
position delegated by the NCAA points the women's administrator out as the
watchdog instead of giving the woman a distinct role in the decision making
process," Paschal said.
"The involvement that I had did not allow for me to become an effective
voice," Kline said. "I am still very interested in administration,
that is where my training is, and I would like to be involved more in the
future."
