TAMIU Names Nardone as New Dustdevils AD

Texas A&M International University President Dr. Ray Keck announced today that Dr. Leonard Nardone has been hired as the institution’s Athletics Director. He will become TAMIU’s third permanent AD, officially beginning his duties Thursday, July 1. Men’s soccer coach Claudio Arias has served as interim AD since May 2009.

Dr. Keck said Nardone’s experience in both coaching and administration is impressive.

“Dr. Nardone has gained a wide-range of experience in education, coaching and athletic administration in his nearly 40-year career. He joins TAMIU after serving as Associate Dean for University Sports at the American University of Beirut for the last three years. We believe this remarkable range of experience will serve him well as he helps to move our 11-sport Dustdevils Athletics Program to even greater success,” Keck said.

Nardone previously served as Athletics Director at State University of New York, Genesee (1997-2007), Sheldon Jackson College (Alaska) (1989-95) and Philadelphia University (1988-89).

He began his intercollegiate athletics career at Rider University in 1976, working there for five years, serving two years as head women’s basketball and as assistant men’s basketball coach all five years.

Nardone left Rider in 1981 to serve as Associate Athletics Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Seattle University. The Chieftain basketball program improved dramatically during his tenure, improving from a 9-18 overall record in his first season to a 22-9 overall record and first place conference finish in his fourth and final season.

For additional information on TAMIU Dustdevil Athletics, including game schedules, team profiles and booster information, please visit GoDustdevils.com

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