When the rumors started flying the night before the University officially announced Debbie Yow was taking over as Athletics Director, I didn’t really like the move for the school. Actually, I hated the move. I believed the hiring was strictly because of her older sister Kay Yow and that other candidates such as Bobby Purcell, the executive director of the Wolfpack Club, were better candidates. But that was before I really looked in depth into Dr. Yow’s career and thought about the move as a whole.

And I wasn’t alone. Initially, it seemed like the N.C. State community lost it. Many State fans were ripping their hair out and it seemed like every report about those from the Maryland University side- that is, those unofficially associated with Maryland-were celebrating because Yow was gone. And all a lot of fans speculated the hire was a favor to the late Kay Yow and her family and that it would add pressure for women’s basketball coach Kellie Harper. The hire also caught flak because of reports of Yow’s public spat with Maryland’s Hall of Fame basketball coach Gary Williams

These seem to be weak excuses for those Pack fans looking to complain about the move. But those giving such excuses are turning a blind eye to Yow’s track record. Both those complaints are completely made up and the public argument with Williams shows how Yow, no matter who you are, is not afraid to go after someone she believes is not performing as well as he or she should be.

But then I began to look at Dr. Yow’s career and what she has done with Maryland since arriving there in 1994, and my opinion began to quickly change. In 16 years with the Terrapins, Yow won 20 national titles, including both a men’s and women’s basketball championship. Also, even more impressive is that Yow was able to decrease a massive $51 million deficit to just $5.5 million, all while continuing to balance the budget every year and constantly upgrade the Maryland facilities.

But it wasn’t Yow’s resume that made me a true, 100-percent believer that she was the right person for the job. It was her attitude, and she has already brought that attitude to Raleigh since being named the AD just a few days ago.

“We will expect a national Top 25 program, moving toward Top 10 status and competing for national championships,” Yow said in her opening press conference.

She has thus made it blatantly obvious that the below-average, mediocre style of athletics that has seemed to be the usual in Wolfpack land is not going to be acceptable anymore. Yow is going to demand greatness from the coaches and players and will not tolerate anything less. It is not going to happen overnight, but at least Yow is showing that she expects the Pack to compete sooner rather than later.

Also, Yow seems to understand one aspect former Athletic Director Lee Fowler didn’t-winning over the fans and alumni and listening to what they have to say. She has said she is planning on making herself very accessible and setting up an e-mail account available for fans and alumni discuss their likes and dislikes pertaining to Wolfpack sporting events. This will open up a valuable channel of communication regarding the ticketing systems, parking and all other related topics.

Overall, Chancellor Randy Woodson made the correct choice in hiring Yow, not even taking in to account the obvious connection with her sister. Yow’s proven track record, along with her determination to bring State athletics back to national prominence, should prove to be an excellent combination for N.C. State and put Pack athletics in very qualified hands.