Paul Dee Steps Down as Athletic Director

On May 9, Paul Dee, announced that he is stepping down as athletic director of the University of Miami. Dee will retire on June 1, 2008. He has been the AD at UM since 1981. He is tied with Jack Harding for the longest time as an athletic director, 15 years, at Miami.

"When I step down next year, I will have been at the University of Miami for 27 years and in this job as athletic director for 15 years," Dee said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the athletic department, but I have always wanted to teach and be a member of the faculty, and this way I can transition to the faculty and teach at the University for a few years before I retire." (Hurricanes Athletic Site)

While at Miami, Dee has focused on for points for the athletic department:

1. The success of its programs


2. The development of its student-athletes, both athletically and academically


3. The quality of its staff


4. The improvement of facilities

It is not known who will replace Dee, but whoever it is, they certainly have some big shoes to fill.

"I thank him for his extraordinary service to the university. I'm pleased that he will be joining the faculty and look forward to his continued wise counsel. His measured, full and thoughtful advice to the leadership of this university has been unmatched," said UM President Donna Shalala.

Canes in 2007 NFL Draft

In this year's NFL draft, three Hurricanes were drafted in the first round, for the 13th consecutive year. The players were:

• Brandon Meriweather- New England Patriots (24th)


• Jon Beason- Carolina Panthers (25th)


• Greg Olsen- Chicago Bears (31st)

"It means a lot to the university because we are a family and this is a unique place. A streak this long means we've had a lot of really good players come through here. But, to me, to have players drafted in the first round and to have them already graduated, that's what is really important. We pride ourselves on being the best we can be on and off the field, and this is another example of that," said Randy Shannon.

The Canes will be well represented in the NFL, with players like Jonathan Vilma, Willis McGahee and Jeremy Shockey.