Former UT women’s athletic director at League of Women Voters holiday brunch

Joan Cronan, University of Tennessee women’s athletic director emeritus, will be the speaker at the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge holiday brunch on Sunday, Dec. 2.

“Under the vision and direction of Cronan, the University of Tennessee Lady Vols have garnered a reputation as one of the most visible and respected programs throughout the nation,” a press release said.

Brunch reservations are due by Monday, Nov. 26. They can be made by calling Maryann Mulvenon at (865) 482-3153.

The brunch is open to the public and will be at the DoubleTree Hotel at 215 S. Illinois Ave. Social time starts at 12:30 p.m. and lunch will begin at 1 p.m., a press release said. The cost to attend is $22 per person and is payable by check or cash only at the door.

The release said the holiday fare will include coq au vin, coconut shrimp and chef carved café round served with garden salad with two dressings, a cheese and vegetable display, broccoli and cheese casserole, potatoes au gratin and hot rolls with butter.

Topping off the menu will be assorted desserts and iced tea and coffee. A cash bar will be available.

The release said UT’s women’s athletics holds numerous titles and finishes under Cronan’s nearly three decades of leadership, including 10 NCAA titles, 46 Top Five NCAA finishes, 80 Top 10 NCAA finishes, 29 SEC regular season crowns, and 24 SEC tournament championships.

“UT’s success in both the athletic and academic realms speak volumes to her decision-making and leadership ability, as demonstrated by appointment to the 2010 NCAA Division 1 Leadership Council and selection of her peers as the president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics in 2008-09,” the release said. It said Cronan is also a former president of National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators.

“With an arm’s length list of impressive personal accomplishments and an image as a lifelong champion of women’s athletics, Cronan is a heavily requested speaker on leadership and motivation on the national and local levels,” the release said. Today, Cronan serves as an advisor to UT Chancellor Jimmy Cheek.

Cronan is a graduate of Louisiana State University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education. Currently an avid golfer and tennis player, Cronan was ranked as high as second in the South in doubles and is a former state and Southern doubles champion, the release said.

Cronan is a past president of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, is active on the boards of First Tennessee Bank and the YMCA, and has served as vice chair of the Leadership Knoxville board. She also works closely with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action, having served as a board member for the local FCA chapter and as a national trustee, the release said. In 2003, Cronan was inducted into the FCA Hall of Champions.