Vanderbilt Athletic Director Malcolm Turner Shared Part Of His Plans In Tuesday Radio Interview

Vanderbilt alum, and Nashville radio personality George Plaster sat down in studio with Vanderbilt athletic director Malcolm Turner on Tuesday for a Q&A session. It was informative to say the least.

New Vanderbilt athletic director Malcolm Turner knew what he was getting himself into when he took the job with the Commodores. Turner's kept a low profile for the most part as he has attempted to learn the ropes and people associated with the athletic program, including coaches, players, support staff and personnel along with those who wield influence from outside the campus.  

Now nine months into his tenure as the leader of Vanderbilt athletics, Turner broke his silence on Tuesday when he appeared on a local radio station for a question and answer interview with veteran radio personality George Plaster, a Vandy alum. 

Former Vanderbilt alum and head football coach Watson Brown along with co-host Terry McCormick took part in the interview of Turner who was open about his thoughts and the process he is looking to undertake in regards to possible facilities upgrades for all Vanderbilt athletics. 

It was obvious from listening to this interview that Truner feels the "ceiling" for this program is much higher than it is currently, or ever for that matter. Turner shared that he informed his athletic department staff in their initial meeting of his thoughts on that celing and said "lets go find it."  

"I didn't come here to manage the status quo, that's for sure," said Turner. "I believe there's a lot more out there for this program."

Of all the ahtletic programs at Vanderbilt, most people feel that football is the top area of need for upgrades. While football is a priority, Turner and his staff are involved in creating a master facilities plan that could include ranovating, reimagining or starting anew for not only football, but other facilities as well. 

The possible reason for other facilities being addressed before football is because of the limited "footprint" of the campus and the fact that Vanderbilt Stadium, Hawkins Field and Memorial Gym are in such close proximity to each other that from an enginnering standpoint, other things might have to be done before anything could be donw to Vanderbilt Stadium. That's likely where the "start anew" aspect could come into play should they decided that renovating or reimagining improvements to the current stadium are not realistic. 

While Turner shared many things, nothing specific as to any improvements were announced, but from his comments it certainly seems like those upgrades, additiong or changes are a priority for him.

Time will tell what happens but those alumi, students and fans who follow and support Vanderbilt athletics should be encouraged by Turner's comments.