AD to leave UMPI

17 years ago

    PRESQUE ISLE – After nearly a decade on the job at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, Rich and Tammy Ward are planning to start a new chapter in their lives.     Rich Ward, the University’s athletic director and head golf coach, and Tammy Ward, assistant director and academic coordinator for TRiO Upward Bound, announced this week their plans to head west this summer and explore new opportunities.
    “It has been a wonderful nine years at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, but both Tammy and I have known for a while that 2008 was going to be our magical year,” Rich Ward said. “With our son about to begin his collegiate career, with Tammy just finishing up her master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, and keeping in mind our long-time desire to move closer to family in Wyoming, everything seemed to be telling us that this was the right step for us to take.”
    The Wards first came to Maine in 1995, when Rich Ward took a position as the basketball coach at the University of Maine at Machias. He later became athletic director there. In 1999, the family moved to Presque Isle when he accepted a position as basketball coach and interim athletic director at UMPI. He became athletic director in 2001.
    Tammy Ward finished her undergraduate work at the UMPI, earning her bachelor’s degree in International Studies in 2001. Two years later, she also joined the campus community after accepting her current position at Upward Bound.
    She will finish work on her master’s degree in non-profit administration in May.
    During his tenure as athletic director, Rich Ward has overseen the growth of the athletic program to 12 teams; led its transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III; increased awareness of student-athlete academic excellence; and had 116 student-athletes receive post-season recognition.
    In the last three seasons, UMPI teams have gained 19 post-season berths.
    The Wards plan to settle in the Front Range area of the Rocky Mountains. However, Rich Ward said they plan to make annual summer visits to the County.
    “We just think the world of this community,” he said. “We knew when we first arrived that this was a special place and no matter where we go, we’ll take that with us.”
    Officials said the Wards, and their dedication to the University, will be greatly missed.
    “We are sorry to lose both of these fine colleagues from our campus community, but we wish Rich and Tammy all the best as they explore new opportunities,” President Don Zillman said.