Thomas Boeh, who has served as Fresno State’s Director of Athletics since July 2005, and astutely guided the department to stability, reform and revitalization, will leave his position to accept a new role with the University, President Joseph I. Castro announced.

Effective Aug. 15, Boeh will assume the position of special assistant to the president. In his new role, Boeh will serve as primary adviser to President Castro on the unprecedented changes occurring within the NCAA and Mountain West Conference due to recent labor actions and legislation.

“Thomas has effectively directed our athletics program to successes in the classroom and on the field,” said Castro. “He has been unwavering in his commitment to our university, our intercollegiate program and our student-athletes. Fresno State has benefitted from his laser focus on student-athletes and dedication to Bulldogs athletics.”

“After nine years as Director of Athletics at Fresno State, I am very proud of all that we have accomplished.” Boeh said. “Fresno State is a great university and I will look forward to continuing my service in a new capacity, one in which I believe I can contribute in a significant manner.”

Boeh has administered an intercollegiate department that supports 425 student-athletes in 19 Division I sports. Among the accomplishments during his nine years of leading Fresno State athletics are:

  • An NCAA national championship in baseball in the 2008 World Series.
  • League titles in the Western Athletic Conference and Mountain West Conference in football, women’s basketball, women’s soccer, baseball, women’s golf, softball and women’s tennis.
  • Promoting gender equity and helping to create a model Division I athletic program relative to Title IX compliance.
  • Winning the WAC Commissioners Cup in 2008, 2009 and 2012.
  • Improved student-athlete Academic Progress Rates (APR) from 915 to 979.
  • The Federal Graduation Rate rose from 45% to 57%
  • Winning the 2013 and 2014 Mountain West Conference Community Service Award

In June, Boeh was honored as one of four recipients of the Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year Award in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.

Boeh was instrumental in evaluating athletic facilities and developing a 10-year master plan that encompasses the “Athletics Mall” and “Student-Athlete Village,” which includes the Meyers Family Sports Medicine Center, a new facility that opened in September 2013.

Under his leadership, two new women’s sports were introduced. Lacrosse and swimming & diving both began competition during the 2008-09 academic year.

Boeh’s contributions have fostered a better-quality experience for Fresno State student-athletes that are reflected in improved Academic Progress Rates, more opportunities and diversity in athletics and extensive community service activity.

“Fresno State’s academic and athletic programs will continue to boldly rise together,” said Castro. “Our athletic programs will benefit from a fresh perspective and new leadership as they elevate to new heights of success.”

A national search for the next director of athletics will begin immediately. Effective immediately, President Castro has appointed as interim co-directors of Athletics Mr. Stephen Robertello, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Intercollegiate Services, and Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, CFO, Vice President for Administration and Athletic Corporation Board Chair. Robertello will assume responsibility for daily athletic operations, sports administration and student-athlete services and Teniente-Matson will assume responsibility for finances, facilities and business operations.