UNLV head football coach John Robinson was unanimously approved by a UCCSN Board of Regents vote Thursday in Reno to be appointed UNLV's Director of Intercollegiate Athletics effective Jan. 1, 2002.

UNLV President Carol C. Harter asked the Board of Regents to approve three items and all were approved by a unanimous vote:

• A waiver of the UCCSN Code, Title 4, Chapter 10, Section 17 1C, to allow UNLV to make a joint appointment. This allows Robinson to continue his leadership of the Rebel football program while assuming the responsibilities of athletics director.
• The appointment of Robinson as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, beginning Jan. 1.
• An amended contract for Robinson.

"We are very pleased that the regents recognized UNLV's unique opportunity to place a nationally recognized figure, John Robinson, into a critical leadership role at the university," Harter said. "I look forward to our partnership as we re-energize and reaffirm the positive values of athletics within the academic community. We also look forward to strengthening relationships with the community at large, as John brings great enthusiasm and energy to these tasks."

Robinson was also present at the meeting in Reno. "I made a commitment to UNLV and this community when I came here in 1999, and I'm excited about this opportunity to build on the successes we have already achieved," Robinson said. "My goal is to fulfill my commitment to the football program while also moving the athletic department forward as one unit - all sports working together. I am convinced this is a people-oriented operation and I plan to fully utilize the tremendous talent of all the people in the department to help us create a dynamic, well-rounded program. Having the added responsibility of athletic director will be every bit as much fun as coaching. I am at my best when I am challenged, and I look forward to this opportunity."

Robinson will enter the 2001 season as college football's ninth-winningest active coach with a record of 115-48-4 (.701). He took over a UNLV program that went winless in 1999 and has posted a two-year record of 11-13, including leading the Rebels to an 8-5 mark and Las Vegas Bowl victory in 2000.

It is anticipated that Charles Cavagnaro, who recently announced his retirement effective June 30, 2002, will serve as special assistant to the president from Jan. 1 through June 30. In that role he will assist with the transition to a new athletics administration and will research how other NCAA Division I schools assure the best possible academic performance and graduation rates for their student athletes.