Bulldog Country, please see the below message from UMD Chancellor Lendley C. Black on the leadership transition for Bulldog athletics.
As you know, after nine years of dedicated service to UMD, Athletic Director
Josh Berlo has accepted a
new position at the University of Denver. I would like to express again my gratitude for Josh's stellar leadership of Bulldog Athletics. Josh will be with us through the first week of July.
I am very pleased to announce that upon his departure, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations & Senior Woman Administrator Karen Stomme has agreed to delay her retirement and stay on as our Interim Athletic Director while we conduct a search for Josh's replacement. I am extremely grateful for Karen's leadership and endless dedication to UMD. As someone on the verge of my own retirement, I have the utmost respect for Karen and her willingness to stay with us to help ensure a smooth transition.
"I am honored to help transition the Bulldogs to new leadership over the next several months," said Stromme. "Both Gary and I will be delaying our retirement until the fall as we work closely with our student-ahletes and coaches for the upcoming athletic seasons. The future of UMD Athletics is bright, as we continue to reach excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in the community."
Working closely with President Gabel, I am pleased to announce that we are quickly launching a search for UMD's new athletic director. To help move things along, we have formed a small advisory committee. This committee will make recommendations to U of M President Joan Gabel, myself, and UMD's interim chancellor (upon my departure). I am thankful to President Gabel for her support and for taking an active role in this important leadership position as I transition out of my role.
The advisory committee will conduct its first meeting within the next few weeks and we hope to complete the search within the next two months.
Athletic Director Advisory Committee members:
- Dr. Steve Castleberry, Faculty Athletic Representative and Professor of Marketing, Committee Chair
- Karen Stromme, Senior Associate AD for Internal Operations & Senior Woman Administrator
- Joshua Brown, student-athlete, Men's Basketball
- Maura Crowell, Women's Hockey Head Coach
- Kristina D'Allaird, Assistant to the AD and Office Manager
- Dr. Lisa Erwin, Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Dean of Students
- Dr. Krista Twu, Professor and Dept. Head, English, Linguistics & Writing Studies
- Bill Watson, Community member, business leader, and UMD Men's Hockey alumnus
Members of the chancellor's office will staff and support the search in collaboration with President Gabel's office. My sincere thanks to the committee members and support staff for their time with this important search.
As the process moves along, we will keep you updated. If you have any questions, please email
chan@d.umn.edu.
Thank you.
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
