Wednesday, August 1, 2018
by Concordia Athletic Communications

PORTLAND, Ore. - Concordia University-Portland promoted Lauren Eads to Vice President & Director of Athletics, effective Aug. 1, 2018.  Eads assumes her new role after serving as interim director of athletics for the past year and, prior to that, as Concordia's associate athletic director - business management.

"Lauren's collaborative leadership style and her steady guidance of Concordia Athletics at the NCAA Division II level this past year has unquestionably had a positive impact on our programs," said Joe Mannion, Concordia's chief academic officer. "She leads a talented team of coaches and staff who continue improving the program while remaining rooted in her own experience as a student-athlete to improve the student experience."

Eads oversaw Concordia Athletics during its first official year as a member of the NCAA Division II. Concordia placed fifth in the 2017-18 Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) All-Sports Trophy Standings.  This was the highest finish ever for the Cavaliers since joining the GNAC during the 2015-16 academic year.  The Cavaliers captured four conference titles, more than any other member in the 11-member conference.

"As a former student-athlete myself, I gained incredible experience through participating in college athletics," said Eads. "It is my goal, and the goal of our department, to aid in the holistic development of our student-athletes.  I am honored to be chosen as the next Vice President/Director of Athletics at Concordia University.  Thank you to Interim President Johnnie Driessner and Chief Academic Officer Joe Mannion for their confidence in me to lead such an exceptional group of students, coaches and staff within our campus community."

Prior to coming to Concordia, Eads was on staff at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., where she was the Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator.  While in Nashville, Eads was responsible for the marketing, sponsorships and game day promotions for all 17 NCAA Division I programs.  Over her career, she has served as the primary administrator and has directed conference championships for a number of sports, including basketball, softball and volleyball. 

Prior to her stint at Belmont, Eads was the Assistant Director of Marketing at Saint Leo University in Florida and was the Director for Sports Administration for the Missouri Valley Conference.