Release: Dave Joyner retires from position

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State Athletic Director David M. Joyner today (June 17) announced his plans to retire from the University. He has requested that his duties as athletic director end Aug. 1, and has offered to assist with the transition beyond that date.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve Penn State," Joyner said. "Our student athletes, coaches, staff and the University community were a daily source of inspiration for me. The spirit of Penn State is strong, and the department's commitment to integrity, as well as academic and athletic excellence is stronger than ever."

Joyner was named acting athletic director in November 2011. In January 2013, he was named director of intercollegiate athletics. Rodney Erickson, University president at the time, indicated that Joyner would serve as athletic director through Erickson's term as president. Erickson retired on May 11.

Penn State President Eric J. Barron will name a search committee to work with Collegiate Sports Associates, an executive search and consulting firm based in North Carolina, to recruit Penn State's next director of Intercollegiate Athletics. David Gray, senior vice president for Finance and Business at Penn State, has agreed to chair the search committee.

"Dave Joyner has provided steady leadership to Athletics for nearly three years," Barron said. "I want to thank him for his hard work in upholding Penn State's legacy of academic and athletic success."

More information about the search for Penn State's next athletic director will be released in the coming days as potential search committee members are notified and asked to serve.

"We will be seeking candidates who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of NCAA rules and have a track record of success in meeting compliance standards," Barron said. "They also must have a commitment to academic integrity, and the academic progress and graduation of student-athletes."

As a Division I university, Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics is home to more than 800 student-athletes participating in 31 varsity sports.