John P. Hardt named the new vice president and director of athletics

University of Richmond named John P. Hardt as the new vice president and director of athletics this morning.

The announcement comes after Keith Gill’s resignation in early May. David Walsh has served as interim athletic director and will finish out the semester.

“He understands our deep commitment to the academic as well as athletic success of our more than 400 student athletes who participate across our 17 Division I sports,” UR President Ronald A. Crutcher said in an emailed announcement. “John shares our commitment to supporting our student-athletes, our coaches and athletics administrative staff and fielding teams who are able to compete yearly for championships.”

Hardt is the athletic director at Bucknell University, where he's worked since 2000. Prior to his position at Bucknell, he worked in athletic administrations at Michigan State University and Syracuse University. Hardt played football and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1984, where he eventually received his law degree.

“I recognize and appreciate that the institutional values and the successful athletics environment that exist at Richmond are ideal for the continued development of a nationally-leading, student-centered, championship-level athletics program,” Hardt said in the announcement.

Hardt will begin his duties as athletic director on Jan. 1, 2018 and he will be "introduced to the community" on Nov. 15, according to the press release. 

Contact sports editor Lindsay Emery at lindsay.emery@richmond.edu