With the recent appointment of Bob Nielson to head football coach, along with his continuing role as athletic director, University of Minnesota Duluth Chancellor Kathryn A. Martin has announced the following changes in administrative staff assignments for the UMD Department of Athletics.

Karen Stromme, who has served as assistant athletic director for operations and senior woman administrator the past five years, will now oversee a number of additional NCAA Division II sports. Stromme, a member of the UMD athletic staff since 1983, will continue to provide oversight for facilities and event management.

Mark Rudolph, UMD's director of athletic development, has been promoted to associate athletic director for external relations. In this role, Rudolph will supervise all of the department's fundraising, alumni relations, marketing, and communications activities. Rudolf was formerly assistant athletic director for development at the University of North Dakota for three years prior to coming to UMD.

\"I am fortunate to have a great administrative team and these changes recognize the strong talents of our staff,\" said Nielson, who took over as UMD's athletic director prior to the 2003-04 season. \"They will also help insure that our department continues to run effectively and with high energy.”