Judy Rose.

• Author: Gray, Tim
• Position: Sports - UNC Charlotte - Brief article

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS, UNC CHARLOTTE

Fans love an underdog, whether it's a stubby hoopster like former Charlotte Hornet Muggsy Bogues or a no-way-they-can-win Super Bowl champ like the New York Giants. Count Judy Rose, 55, as someone to cheer for, too. She hopes to win approval this fall from UNCC's board of trustees to start a football team by 2012. A special committee recommended to Chancellor Philip Dubois that UNCC do so--but warned annual operating costs could total about $5.9 million.

Why UNCC needs big-time football: "It's a rallying point for students and alumni. And institutions that are I-A get a heavier-weighted vote within the NCAA. Without it, your voice isn't as loud."

First job at UNCC: She coached women's basketball and tennis, oversaw intramurals and taught phys ed in 1975--all for $8,000 a year. The Winthrop grad, who got her master's at Tennessee, has been UNCC's AD since...