Matt Roan has been appointed as the new director of athletics at James Madison University, bringing with him extensive experience in Division I athletics administration. Roan, a Virginia native, has previously served as AD at Eastern Kentucky University and Nicholls State University, overseeing significant improvements in facilities, academic performance, competitive achievements, and fundraising. He is set to take over at JMU in May, following the retirement of Jeff Bourne, and is expected to continue the university's successful athletic trajectory.
Desireé Reed-Francois has been appointed as the new Director of Athletics at the University of Arizona, pending approval by the Arizona Board of Regents. She brings extensive experience from her previous roles at the University of Missouri and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is known for her success in fundraising, relationship building, and enhancing student-athlete welfare. Reed-Francois, who will start her tenure on March 3, has a strong financial acumen and a proven track record of transforming athletic departments into high-performing, cost-effective operations.
Tulane University has appointed David Harris as its new Director of Athletics and the Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair. Harris, currently the Director of Athletics at the University of Northern Iowa, will begin his role at Tulane on January 3. He brings extensive experience in collegiate athletics administration and a passion for the success of student-athletes. Under Harris' leadership, the University of Northern Iowa achieved national recognition, winning conference championships and earning NCAA tournament bids. Tulane's athletics program has been excelling academically and in sports competition, and Harris will oversee its continued growth and development.
