Despite being generally thought of as a “downtime” in college athletics, the seventh month of the was anything but when it came to leadership changes in collegiate athletic departments. Ten Division I institutions experienced AD turnover in July with four welcoming new leaders. AD turnover in July got off to a slow start with the first announcement not coming until halfway through the month, but things certainly picked up from there.
UIC
The University of Illinois-Chicago announced on July 17 that athletic director Garrett Klassy would step down on August 1. Klassy, UIC’s AD for two years left to join Bill Moos’ staff at Nebraska. In his new role at Nebraska, Klassy serves as the Huskers Senior Deputy Athletic Director – External operations. UIC has launched a national search to find his replacement, with UIC Registrar Robert Dixon serving as the interim AD.
Seton Hall
Seton Hall became the second school to experience AD turnover in July when the Pirates announced the return of alum Bryan Felt to lead the department. Felt returns to Seton Hall from Saint Peter’s following the promotion of Pat Lyons to Seton Hall University’s Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff.
SIU Edwardsville
On July 22, SIUE announced Tim Hall as the school’s new AD. Hall became the second sitting DI athletic director to accept a new post at a new institution. Hall comes to SIU Edwardsville after leading the UMBC athletic department since 2013. Hall replaces the retiring Brad Hewitt who left his post following the conclusion of the spring semester.
LIU
Dr. William E. Martinov, Jr. was named the first AD of Long Island University’s unified athletics program. In 2018 LIU announced it would combine the athletic programs of LIU Brooklyn and LIU Post. The unified program will compete as a member of the will Northeast Conference.
Furman
On July 25, Furman announced Villanova Senior Associate AD and Executive Director of Athletics Development Jason Donnelly as the school’s new AD. Donnelly takes over for Mike Buddie who left earlier in the summer to become the new director of athletics at West Point.
Grand Canyon
After five years of leading the GCU athletic department, Mike Vaught stepped down from his role as the Lopes s Vice President of Athletics. Deputy AD Jamie Boggs will lead the department on an interim basis while a search for Vaught’s replacement is conducted. Vaught stepped down to join the private sector.
Chicago State
Chicago State announced it had parted ways with AD Christopher Zorich on July 30. Zorich, a former Chicago Bears football player had led the department for just over a year prior to the school’s announcement. Jimell Bryd-Reno will lead the Cougars department on an interim basis.
Presbyterian College
Presbyterian College was the final athletic department to experience AD turnover in July with PC’s announcement that Robert Acunto had been named Director of Athletics. Acunto comes to Presbyterian from UTEP where he served as the Miners senior associate athletic director for development and external relations.