Cal Poly Humboldt Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Cooper Jones, is leaving the Lumberjacks after 19 months in charge.

Jones has accepted a new role as Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics with the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, and will make the transition in the coming weeks.

“I appreciate everything my campus colleagues have contributed collectively and individually to create meaningful change during my tenure,” Jones said in a press release on Friday. “I know that Cal Poly Humboldt will continue to do great things for the benefit of all students, staff and coaches.

“While the next phase of our family’s journey will take us away from the Redwood Curtain, we will always be Lumberjacks and look forward to the next chapter of growth and success at Cal Poly Humboldt.”

According to the press release announcing the change, “During his time at Cal Poly Humboldt, Jones was focused on creating strong structures and expectations for Lumberjack Athletics, including success in competition and in the classroom as well as community service. 

“He launched the new NCAA sport of Women’s Triathlon, began planning for creation of other new NCAA sports, and worked to develop a vision for strengthening Athletics for the long-term. He also prioritized community outreach and enhancement of fundraising efforts.”

When he was hired in July of 2021, Jones became the seventh different athletic director at the local university in five years, including two interim ADs.

According to the university, information on interim leadership and plans for permanently filling the vacancy will be shared soon.

“Cooper has provided important leadership during some challenging times of change in Intercollegiate Athletics and in Recreational Sports, and I am truly thankful for that,” Cal Poly Humboldt President Tom Jackson, Jr. said. “I expect he will do an amazing job in this new role, and I wish him all the best.”