Oakland’s Jeff Konya named to lead athletic, recreation programs at Northeastern University

Oakland’s Jeff Konya named to lead athletic, recreation programs at Northeastern University
OU AD Jeff Konya named to lead athletic, recreation programs at Northeastern University

Following a successful tenure as Oakland University’s Director of Athletics, Jeff Konya was introduced today as the new Director of Athletics and Recreation at Northeastern University, in Boston.

 

Since arriving in July 2014, Konya has guided Oakland University’s athletic programs to new heights. Under his leadership, Oakland sports teams have captured 22 Horizon League titles and three consecutive McCafferty Trophies, awarded annually to the Horizon League’s All-Sports Champion.

In addition, Oakland’s teams tallied a pair of top-26 finishes in the Learfield Directors' Cup DI-AAA Final Standings in 2015 and 2016. Oakland scored a program-best 100.0 points and placed 18th in 2014-15, recording its highest finish in school history and the highest finish among Horizon League schools.

 

Along with stellar athletic performances, OU’s student athletes have also excelled in the classroom, leading the Horizon League in Academic All-League and Honor Roll selections over the last eight semesters and earning an organization-best 3.30 grade point average in winter 2017.

 

“Jeff has been a tireless leader and advocate on behalf of our university, its student-athletes, alumni and Golden Grizzlies,” said OU President Ora H. Pescovitz. “He’s worked with OU leaders and community partners to strengthen our commitment to student success academically and athletically. His contributions have positioned us for continued success, and we wish him much good fortune as he starts a new chapter in his career.”

 

Konya’s time at Oakland has also been marked by impressive advances in sponsorships. Under his direction, the university has seen a 63 percent increase in sponsorships, 41 percent increase in donations and 40 percent increase in ticket sales.

 

In his first year at Oakland, Konya implemented the Black and Gold Awards, which celebrate the university’s 320-plus student-athletes for their accomplishments in competition, in the classroom and in the community. The event is hosted annually at the historic Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit and, this past year, was televised on WMYD-TV20.

 

“Since I came to Oakland more than three years ago, I’ve enjoyed seeing the progress we’ve made in the classroom, on the field and in the community,” Konya said. “It’s been an honor to share in the success of our student-athletes and continued development of our athletic program. I’ll never forget the passion of our Golden Grizzly fans and community partners.”

 

In March 2017, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) selected Konya as one of Under Armour's Athletic Directors of the Year for 2016-17. NACDA recognizes Athletic Directors for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities.

 

A search for Konya’s replacement will begin immediately. The search will be chaired by Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer Glenn McIntosh, who will also assume Cabinet-level responsibility for Athletics on an interim basis. Padraic McMeel, senior associate athletic director for External Affairs, will lead day-to-day operations in the interim.