AU Athletics' four-month search for a new director ended Tuesday when AU announced Joni Comstock as director of Athletics and Recreation.
She will officially step in as athletic director Dec. 8, replacing former director Tom George, who resigned in July for personal reasons.
Comstock is currently the athletic director for University of North Carolina-Asheville and was selected after a national search that included more than 100 applicants, according to Al Checcio, AU vice president of development.
"She emerged out of three finalists considered for the position," Checcio said. "She did a remarkable job meeting the requirements with all of her accomplishments and is a perfect fit for the University."
At UNC-Asheville, Comstock led a reorganization of the athletic department, hired various head coaches and increased funding by 30 percent through marketing and developmental initiatives, according to a press release.
Before her three-year stint at UNC-Asheville, Comstock spent 11 years at Purdue University as associate athletic director, the release said. She was responsible for 13 men's and women's sports, as well as planning and oversight of academic services.
"Dr. Comstock is a consummate professional with wide experience in leading athletics programs," AU President Benjamin Ladner said in the release. "She is an excellent match for the values and aspirations of AU's athletic future."
During the selection process, Comstock was able to properly evaluate the position and better understand the expectations, she said.
"As a candidate, I thought [the selection process] was informative, thorough and professionally handled," Comstock said. "Mr. Al Checcio deserves a lot of credit for how the process was handled."
As AU's first permanent female athletic director, Comstock said she is excited and looks forward to the opportunities ahead.
"I'm very honored to be a part of American University," Comstock said. "My first interest was the academic success and the success AU has had in the Patriot League."
So far, other AU officials are pleased.
"She's already delved in by talking to the administration and coaches," Checcio said.
Additionally, Comstock wants to enhance the AU athletic experience for the student-athletes, coaches and administration, she said.
"I want to make sure we provide, in all areas, stability and a clear focus," Comstock said. "I'm very interested in the experience of a student-athlete ... I have a very strong commitment to them."
To the relief of some student-athletes, Comstock does not plan to eliminate any current varsity programs in her restructuring of the athletics department's budget. In more than 20 years of experience, she has yet to cut a program, she said.
"I feel we can work together and use the resources efficiently," Comstock said. "We, in the administration, have a job to go out and create more resources for the University."
Of course, Comstock understands the job will not be a cakewalk. She believes that "in any situation there are challenges," but "does not foresee any obstacles."
Showing her AU pride, Comstock added, "Go Eagles!"
George, the former director, led the department through its first two years in the Patriot League and oversaw a raise in visibility for the programs as well as numerous PL championships by AU's sports teams.