Sandy Barbour says she’s proud of Penn State athletics’ capital projects, team successes

Sandy Barbour’s eight-year tenure as Penn State athletic director was littered with success on the field and renovation of facilities off of them. The renovations included a 20-year master plan that was announced in 2017, which included scheduled renovations to Beaver Stadium.

However, even before that, one of the first things Penn State did in the Barbour era was renovate the Morgan Academic Center.

“I’ll always be very proud of the fact that the Morgan Academic Center renovation was the first capital project in my time,” Barbour said Monday at her first media availability since announcing that she will retire this summer. “I think that sends all the right messages.”

» READ MORE: Sean Clifford is still Penn State’s QB, but he’s got real competition this year

Among the sports where Penn State has truly risen as a national program is wrestling, where the Nittany Lions just won their ninth NCAA team title in 11 years. Barbour had high praise for the coach, Cael Sanderson.

“We think the world of Cael and what he’s been able to do with that program,” Barbour said. “Certainly [conversations about contract extensions] are always on the mind or in the works.”

When her successor takes over, Barbour noted that person will be in a great position thanks to coaches who are “great fits for Penn State.”

One of those coaches, men’s basketball coach Micah Shrewsberry, wrapped up his first season with Penn State, and while the team finished below .500, Barbour noted the future is bright.

“The sky’s the limit,” Barbour said. “Micah Shrewsberry is going to do great things at Penn State.”

Penn State hasn’t zeroed in on who will replace Barbour, but there is time given she’ll be with the school until sometime in the summer. Barbour also doesn’t plan on slowing down at all, saying she’s “all in” and will be working hard until her final day on the job.