May 7, 1999
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Athletic Director Morgan Burke has announced changes in titles and/or duties for five athletic administrators.
Three of the changes are the result of Dick Walbaum's decision to retire later this year.
As of July 1, Nancy Cross will be promoted to Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Development, reporting directly to Burke. Cross, whose current role as Assistant Athletic Director includes being Director of the John Purdue Club, will pass those duties to Greg Christopher, who becomes Director of the John Purdue Club on July 1. He is currently the assistant director.
Also assisting in the marketing area will be Senior Associate Athletic Director Joni Comstock, whose title won't change but whose duties will now include being a member of the Marketing Leadership Team, which is chaired by Cross. Comstock will continue to report to Burke and maintain her current responsibilities.
Walbaum will remain in his current assignment until July 1. Thereafter, he will report to Burke as Senior Associate Athletic Director and will take a leadership role in identifying and securing resources necessary to renovate Ross-Ade Stadium. He will reduce his work commitment to one-half to three-quarter time, effective January 1, 2000, and will retire December 30, 2000, serving in the interim as a special advisor to Burke, assisting in the transition and handling special projects for the department.
Also effective July 1, Roger Blalock will be promoted from Assistant to Associate Athletic Director for Academics, Compliance and Sports, and will maintain his current responsibilities while Glenn Tompkins' title will change from Business Manager to Senior Associate Athletic Director-Business to better reflect his role as the Chief Financial Officer within the Athletic Department.
"These changes will allow us to continue full-steam-ahead on our present course," says Burke. "We are fortunate to have strong, experienced leaders within the organization who have participated in setting the direction for the athletic department. These past few years have allowed us to experience a taste of what national prominence is all about and this team is ready to continue to work with all members of the staff to accelerate our improvement in the years ahead."