Towson University Names Athletic Director

In an email statement to faculty and staff, Towson University President Maravene Loeschke announced the hiring of Tim Leonard as the school's new athletic director Thursday. 

Leonard is currently employed as the senior associate athletic director for external affairs at Southern Methodist University, a post he has held since 2008, according to the statement. He has also held positions in the athletic department at the University of Central Florida. 

Leonard will start his new job on Aug. 19. 

Towson University will host a news conference on Friday to introduce Leonard to the media and school community.  

 "We are very excited to have someone of Tim Leonard’s caliber joining our team here at Towson University," Loeschke said in the statement. "He is a professional administrator with 21 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics. He is a proven leader with a demonstrated ability to create strong and cohesive teams, and work cooperatively across academic and administrative departments."

Leonard takes over for former athletic director Mike Waddell, who now serves as the senior associate athletics director at the University of Arkansas. Waddell faced strong criticism after he recommended cutting the mens' baseball and soccer teams, citing economic concerns and Title 9 compliance.

Tricia Bradenburg, a deputy athletics director at Towson University, has been at the helm of the department in the interim.