Palumbo to step down, will depart for post at Georgia Tech
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has announced that Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics/Director of Athletics Jon Palumbo will step down from his position to assume the role of Executive Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Operating Officer at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).
“Jon Palumbo’s incredible impact on Islander Athletics has extended across campus and throughout the community,” said Dr. Kelly Miller, President of TAMU-CC. “His dedication to the academic success of student-athletes and to creating a championship culture of excellence has forever changed our university for the better. I am truly grateful for all he has done and wish him well on what I am certain will be an amazing career.”
Islander programs captured a school record seven Southland Conference championships during the 2021-22 academic year and sent 5 teams to NCAA postseason competition. The university captured its first ever Southland Conference Women’s All-Sport Award and achieved the school’s all-time best finish in the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup. The men’s basketball program captured the 2022 Southland Conference tournament championship and earned their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2007 under first-year Head Coach Steve Lutz.
Also in 2021-22, the Islanders captured their first ever Southland Conference Academic Performance award, given to the institution with the best four-year NCAA Academic Progress Rate. Islander student-athletes have achieved a 3.0+ grade point average for 16 straight semesters and performed 2,778 hours of community service in 2021-22.
“As I wrap up my time at the Island University, I am feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude,” said Jon Palumbo. “I want to thank Dr. Kelly Miller for seeing something in me four years ago and giving me the opportunity to lead this athletics department. Her inspirational leadership and unwavering support, guidance and mentorship have made me a better professional and a better person. I want to thank our fantastic student-athletes for their incredible dedication to achieving their goals on and off the fields and courts of competition. I want to thank our incredibly hard-working coaches and staff. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your leader. Finally, I want to thank all of the wonderful fans and supporters of Islanders Athletics here in Corpus Christi and beyond. Thank you for helping us build something special. I believe the best is yet to come for this program!”
A nationwide search for the next Director of Athletics at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will be launched in the near future. Adrian Rodriguez, Vice President for Student Engagement and Success, will temporarily serve as Interim Director of Athletics beginning on November 11th and until the search is completed.
