Penn State Athletic Director, Dr. Dave Joyner, recently sat down with  Assistant Director for Athletic Communications Tony Mancuso for a one-on-one interview that lasted for eight minutes. The interview touched on a wide range of topics including the recently completed fall sports season, the 60-million dollar fine as part of the package of sanctions the NCAA placed on the university last July, the additions of Rutgers and Maryland to the Big Ten, and plans for the athletic department in the year 2013.

The session is relatively predictable with a few jokes, multiple #OneTeam references, and several compliments to fall student-athletes for great performances on the field and in the classroom. One of the more interesting remarks comes at the 1:15 mark of the interview when Joyner discusses how his daily job duties and the atmosphere surrounding the athletic department have changed over the past year.

It has been a busy month for Joyner that began with him attempting to crush any speculation that there was friction between him and Bill O’Brien, calling their relationship “outstanding.” Just last week, Penn State announced that Joyner would remain Athletic Director for the duration of Rodney Erickson’s tenure as university president. While eventful, the recent weeks have still been much calmer than twelve months ago.

“We were really in a war zone. Things were going so fast and coming in all directions. We were in a crisis management mode, so I just hit the ground running. There were times when I was on the phone while eating breakfast while on a StairMaster or exercise bike at 5:30 a.m.,” said Joyner.

Now, after an impressive fall season that included five Big Ten Championships, several Coach of the Year awards, an eighth place finish in the Learfield Cup standings, and great academic performances, the mood has certainly changed. “We continue to be strong and haven’t missed a beat. I’m very proud to be associated with these coaches and these great student athletes,” said Joyner.

Even with the calmer environment, concerns remain in terms of paying out the large fine to the NCAA and maintaining and upgrading facilities while doing so. Joyner knows it is important to plan far in advance with the payments, adding that financial outlooks are reviewed everyday for the five-year project. “We’re going to be alright. It will be tight and tough, but we’re going to be able to do it,” said Joyner.

What does Joyner hope to accomplish in his role between now and this time next year?

“Our goals are integrity, academics, and winning games, matches, and championships. I’d love to have a goal every year of winning the Learfield Cup and graduating 100% of our athletes. We may never get to all of those goals, but if we don’t set them high, we won’t,” said Joyner.

The full interview can be viewed below.