Friday, June 23, 2017
by Concordia Athletic Communications

PORTLAND, Ore. - Concordia University announced that Lauren Eads will become the school's interim director of athletics effective July 1.  Eads has been the associate Athletic director-business management since July of 2016.

"Lauren's experience working in intercollegiate athletics coupled with her personal athletics' experience makes her the perfect candidate for the Interim Director of Athletics for our university," said Concordia University's Chief Academic Officer Joe Mannion, Ed.D.  "No doubt her excellent accomplishments serving as Associate Athletic Director this past year and her familiarity with and respect for the coaches and athletics staff will help make the transition into this new role a smooth one."

Eads came to Concordia from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., where she was the associate athletics 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. 

"The first thing I recognized when I came to our campus 12 months ago was the special community of people that is Concordia University, and more specifically, the Department of Athletics," said Eads.  "I am honored to accept the opportunity to lead this outstanding department as we march forward toward full NCAA Division II membership."

Prior to her stint at Belmont, Eads was the assistant director of marketing at Saint Leo University in Florida and as a director for sports administration for the Missouri Valley Conference.

"I have the utmost respect for President Chuck Schlimpert and Chief Academic Officer Joe Mannion, and am very grateful for their confidence in my ability to lead the department and be a role model for our student-athletes," added Eads.  "I am energized to work with our coaches and staff in this expanded role.  We will be constant in our efforts to provide a top notch experience for our student-athletes as we work to reach department and university goals. There are great things happening at Concordia University."

Eads takes over for Brian Jamros, who announced his resignation earlier this month as he was named the director of Athletics at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota.

Jamros led the institution's pending move from NAIA to NCAA Division II, developed and implemented long range planning initiatives and successful fundraising efforts, including a corporate partners program.  Included in these projects and fundraising projects were the renovation of the university's weight room, adding a new women's track and field locker room along with moving the softball team on-campus for the first time in program history.