June 9, 2000
The appointment of Dr. Joni Comstock as Athletic Director at the University of North Carolina-Asheville today has drawn positive comments from Purdue University officials and has resulted in reassignment of duties for two other administrators.
"Joni has been an effective administrator, an able colleague and a great friend," says Purdue Athletic Director Morgan Burke."She has given this university and its student-athletes 11 years of valuable service. We wish her well and appreciate everything she has done for Purdue and for Kate and me."
"Joni Comstock has made many significant contributions to Purdue athletics, especially to women's athletics," says Purdue University President Dr. Steven C. Beering. "It's always difficult to lose a major decision-maker like Joni, but when ever someone has a chance to advance his or her career and to realize a goal, we are happy. I wish her well."
Burke also announced that upon Comstock's departaure later this summer her duties will be divided up internally. Associate A.D. Nancy Cross will add to her marketing and development duties the responsibility of being the department's Senior Women's Administrator. Associate A.D. Roger Blalock, who presently oversees compliance, academics and sports, will take over as supervisor of the sports which Joni has covered, and relinquish the compliance and academic responsibilities.
Burke indicated there will be an internal review of the athletic department personnel to identify a person to oversee student services which will include compliance and academic services. Other reporting relationships and responsibilities affected by Comstock's departure will be sorted out throughout the summer.
"Joni arrived at Purdue when leadership for women's athletics was at a critical juncture," says Cross. "Her vision, determination and commitment to the Title IX ideals catapulted the Boilermakers to national prominence. Big Ten Championships, All-America and Academic All-America honors and an NCAA National Championship are tangible reminders of the tremendous influence Joni has effected during her tenure at Purdue. How very fortunate the University of North Carolina-Asheville is to be welcoming a Director of Athletics who values equally the student and athlete components of student-athlete. I wish her continued success."
"I'm very happy for her," says Head Men's Basketball Coach Keady. "Joni's a great person who has worked hard and earned this opportunity. She's paid her dues and deserves a break. I'm sure she'll do a great job."
"This is a wonderful opportunity for Joni that she richly deserves," says Senior Associate Athletic Director Glenn Tompkins. "Joni's insight and understanding of the dynamics of managing an athletic program have helped me to be a better business manager. I'll miss her advice and counsel very much but I certainly wish her the best."