D2.ticker Top Ten - the most clicked stories of the past year |
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#10: Academy of Art will discontinue athletics after this academic year. University Chief of Staff Chris Visslailli: “We have funded a robust sports program since 2012, but we've determined that these programs are no longer financially sustainable within our university budget. This difficult decision allows us to redirect resources toward opportunities that align with the interests of our broader student population while maintaining our commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities.” (link)
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#9: Augusta AD Ryan Erlacher resigns after three-plus years leading the Jaguars. Asst. AD for Internal Affairs/Softball HC Melissa Brocato has been named Interim AD. (link) |
#8: Colorado Mesa AD Joan McDermott will depart, effective immediately, stating: “At this time of my life, it's time I find a better balance between the work I love in college athletics, and spending time with kids and grandkids. I expect to continue pursuing my passion working in college athletics, but likely in a consulting or more part-time capacity that will allow me a better balance in my life.” Senior Vice President of Development/Foundation CEO Robin Brown will serve as Interim AD. (link)
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#7: Shaw AD George Knox is no longer leading the Bears after five years in the chair. (link) |
#6: Winona State hires Southwest Minnesota State AD/WSU alum Jennifer Flowers as the Warriors’ next AD, starting June 18. President Kenneth Janz: “We're proud to welcome Jen to the Winona State community of learners. Her dedication to excellence and student-centered leadership will be a great addition to our campus and to our Warriors athletics program.” (link)
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#5: The PSAC invites Lackawanna (NJCAA) to join the league as its 18th member, as the college seeks to become the first NJCAA football-playing school to transition to DII. Commissioner Steve Murray: “It is a new era in collegiate athletics, and this is a new paradigm for the PSAC as we welcome Lackawanna to the Conference. President Jill Murray's vision for Lackawanna College is remarkable, and we believe that the movement to a four-year athletics program and Division II supports that vision and the future of the institution. The PSAC and its member institutions are committed to making this a successful transition for the Falcons' athletics program.” Falcons AD Erik Larson: “Our invitation to join the PSAC is a key milestone in the history of our athletic department and could not have been realized without the efforts of our coaches, students, and leadership who believed in our strategic vision and our commitment to excellence. This move allows us to elevate our athletics programs to new heights. Our student-athletes will now compete at the highest level of NCAA Division II athletics with increased exposure, scholarship opportunities, and academic support. We are honored to be welcomed into the conference.” (link)
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#4: Frostburg State AD Troy Dell departs to become the AD at his alma mater, Gettysburg (DIII). Dell: “The decision to leave Frostburg was one of the hardest career decisions I've ever made. I'm leaving a campus and community that has supported my family and me throughout my time as director of athletics. The campus community and institutional leaders that I have worked for and alongside have allowed me shape and grow the Athletic Department in a manner I hope represents the deep pride that our students, alumni and the surrounding community feel for Frostburg State University.” Senior Assoc. AD for Internal Operations Rubin Stevenson will serve as Interim AD. (link)
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#3: Sonoma State will discontinue athletics, in addition to cutting around two dozen academic programs and not renewing 46 faculty members next academic year, as the university faces a $23.9M budget deficit in 2025-26. Interim President Emily Cutrer attributes the shortfall to rising personnel costs and inflation but particularly a steep decline in enrollment, which has fallen by 38% since 2015. The university reported its enrollment as 5,073 in October, with a peak of about 9,408 students a decade ago. Cutrer also notes that “further steps must be taken to fully close the budget gap and ensure Sonoma State’s financial and operational capacity to best serve its current and future students and adapt to a changing higher education landscape.” (link)
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#2: Jessup AD Lance Von Vogt will step down after a dozen years in Rocklin. President John Jackson: “Lance has faithfully served Jessup for the past 12 years, bringing vision, energy, and unwavering dedication to our mission. As a member of both the Senior Leadership Team and the Executive Team, his impact has extended well beyond the Athletics Department. […] Under Lance's leadership, Jessup Athletics experienced unprecedented growth and competitive success. These milestones would not have been possible without his strategic leadership and commitment to excellence.” Assoc. AD Scott Sorgea will serve as Interim AD. (link)
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#1: Bloomfield will transition to the USCAA, following the college’s merger with Montclair State (DIII). The Bears will continue to sponsor Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s Soccer and Softball. Montclair Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Soufleris: “This move allows us to preserve and reimagine Bloomfield's athletics legacy in a way that reflects both our commitment to student opportunity and our responsibility to sustainability. Competing in the USCAA ensures that our student-athletes continue to grow, thrive, and represent Bloomfield College of Montclair State University with pride. We're excited about this next chapter and the new pathways it opens for athletic excellence and engagement.” (link)
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