6 Jan 2015:  Here is the text of an internal memo to AFA staff members from the Superintendent:

FYI Teammates,

Happy New Year!  You may have seen unconfirmed reporting in the press, but I’d like to let you know directly that we are finalizing the pre-employment steps to hire Mr. Jim Knowlton as our new Athletic Director.  Mr. Knowlton is the current AD at Rensselaer Polytechnic University.  He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of our unique military culture.  

Mr. Knowlton is a USMA grad, was an intercollegiate athlete, an active duty Ranger and 82d Airborne BN commander, was on the USMA academic faculty and served as a former USMA Asst AD.  He will balance the demands of the NCAA business with our absolute necessity to win with character.  He brings a fresh perspective including the importance of athletics to all of our cadets, not just intercollegiate cadet-athletes.

I look forward to Mr. Knowlton joining our team and I know he is enthused about getting here and getting started.  We will hold a formal press conference later this month to introduce him in person and we hope to have him in the seat by later this spring.

Thank you for all you do!

Lt Gen Johnson

Click here for biography of Mr. Knowlton