By Joe Pantorno, Sports Editor

Forty days is all it took to find Hofstra’s newest Vice President and Director of Athletics, Jeff Hathaway. And his hiring is already putting Hofstra on the map.

“I really think this is a transformative development in the history of Hofstra Athletics,” said University President Stuart Rabinowitz. “I’m confident that this marks as a tremendous step forward for Hofstra. What this does and what it’s intended to do is to confirm the University’s commitment to a nationally recognized and nationally respected athletic program.”

Hathaway was introduced to the Hofstra Athletics family and media Tuesday morning at the Mack University Club.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Hofstra community,” said Hathaway. “I’ve known this program for many years, I’ve been at schools that have competed against this program and know a lot about this University.”

Replacing Jack Hayes, who took a similar position at Brown University, Hathaway has spent the past five years on the NCAA Division I men’s basketball committee representing the Big East conference.

Hathaway served as Executive Associate Director of Athletics at UConn from 1990-2001 and was the Athletics Director there from 2003-2011. He was also the AD at Colorado State from 2001-2003.

Along with Rabinowitz, Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner Tom Yeager spoke on behalf of Hathaway.

“Jeff Hathaway is one of the brightest, creative and competent administrators in college athletics,” said Yeager. “Everyone in the CAA is excited about his joining our team and we look forward to his contribution to the continued success of the Hofstra program and the CAA.”

Along with national championships in men’s and women’s basketball along with bowl victories in football at UConn, Hathaway stressed academic success as more than 50 percent of UConn’s 650 student athletes achieved a 3.0 GPA or better in 2010.

Hathaway’s endeavors have been known nationwide as his influence has been felt by many men working in collegiate athletics.

“This is a big day for Hofstra University and the future of Hofstra has been placed in good hands,” said CBS Sports college basketball analyst Jim Nantz. “Jeff is a high-achieving, high-quality person that I have gotten to know well during his tenure as the Chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee. Jeff’s success as a leader speaks for itself. He has the Midas touch!”

Danny McCabe, who served as acting AD after Hayes’ departure, will stay on as an assistant to Hathaway.

“He has done a stupendous job as acting Athletic Director,” said Rabinowitz. “I want to tell you that Jeff and I want Danny to stay here, be a partner with Jeff Hathaway, we have agreed on a new contract for Danny to ensure that he feels comfortable staying and he has done just a terrific job.”

The terms of McCabe’s contract are unavailable at this time.

Hathaway met with the coaches of all 17 athletic programs at Hofstra before addressing the media on Tuesday.

“When I had the opportunity to meet so many people during this process, my passion and excitement to get on this campus rose exponentially,” said Hathaway. “I’m happy to be on campus, this is what I love doing working with students in a University environment and I’m ready to go.”

President Stuart Rabinowitz (left) poses with new Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeff Hathaway. (Mark Prussin/ The Chronicle)