Julie Cromer, a highly decorated athletics director and proven leader, has been hired as Executive Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer of LSU Athletics
LSU Athletics has made a significant move in bolstering its leadership ranks by hiring Julie Cromer as the new Executive Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer. This appointment marks a pivotal step for the university’s athletic department, as Cromer brings with her an extensive track record of success, leadership, and innovation in collegiate sports administration. Her hiring is not only a testament to LSU’s commitment to excellence on and off the field but also a signal that the Tigers are intent on building a sustainable, forward-thinking athletics program that competes at the highest levels nationally.
Julie Cromer is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished and respected athletic administrators in the country. Before joining LSU, she served as the Athletic Director at Ohio University, where she distinguished herself by elevating the program’s competitiveness, strengthening its financial foundation, and emphasizing the holistic development of student-athletes. Cromer’s leadership style, which balances a visionary approach with a grounded focus on day-to-day operational excellence, aligns perfectly with LSU’s ambitions. Her appointment as Executive Deputy Athletic Director and COO places her at the heart of the department’s strategic planning and execution, overseeing operations across all sports and ensuring that LSU’s storied athletic legacy continues to thrive.
At Ohio University, Cromer demonstrated a capacity for turning challenges into opportunities. She championed initiatives that improved athletic facilities, enhanced the student-athlete experience, and deepened community engagement. Under her guidance, Ohio University saw increased support from donors, improved compliance structures, and expanded academic resources for athletes. These accomplishments speak volumes about her ability to manage complex operations while nurturing a culture of integrity and inclusivity. LSU Athletics stands to benefit immensely from Cromer’s holistic approach, which emphasizes both competitive success and the well-being of athletes.
Beyond her tangible achievements, Julie Cromer’s leadership philosophy resonates strongly with the core values LSU espouses. She is known for prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion within athletic programs—a commitment that is essential in today’s collegiate sports environment. By fostering an environment where every athlete and staff member feels valued and supported, Cromer not only helps improve performance on the field but also builds lasting community bonds. LSU Athletics, a program with a passionate fan base and rich traditions, will find in Cromer a leader who understands that success is about much more than wins and losses.
Cromer’s hiring also reflects a broader trend in college athletics—an increased emphasis on professional management and strategic oversight. As athletic programs grow in complexity, the role of executive leadership becomes ever more critical. The Chief Operating Officer position at LSU Athletics is designed to coordinate the myriad moving parts that keep a major collegiate sports program running smoothly—from compliance and budgeting to marketing and facilities management. Cromer’s experience makes her exceptionally qualified to navigate this landscape, ensuring that LSU can maximize its resources while maintaining competitive excellence.
The decision to bring Cromer aboard comes at a time of significant evolution in college sports. The landscape has been transformed by the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, changes in conference alignments, and increasing scrutiny on athlete welfare. Navigating these changes requires a leader who is both adaptable and visionary, able to anticipate challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. Cromer’s career thus far has demonstrated her ability to thrive in such dynamic environments, positioning LSU Athletics to remain at the forefront of collegiate sports innovation.
Moreover, LSU’s commitment to supporting women in leadership positions within athletics is exemplified by Cromer’s hiring. Female executives remain underrepresented in collegiate sports, especially in high-ranking roles like the one Cromer now holds. By appointing her, LSU sends a powerful message about inclusivity and equality, setting a standard for other institutions. Cromer’s success can inspire a new generation of women aspiring to careers in sports administration, helping to break down barriers and promote diversity at all levels of athletics leadership.
Throughout her career, Cromer has demonstrated a passion for building programs that not only succeed on the scoreboard but also foster character development and community engagement. Her work at Ohio University featured numerous partnerships with local organizations and initiatives designed to connect athletes with fans in meaningful ways. These efforts helped to cultivate a strong sense of pride and belonging, something LSU values deeply given its large and loyal fan base. With Cromer on board, LSU Athletics is likely to see similar innovative community outreach efforts that deepen the bond between the Tigers and their supporters.
Financial stewardship is another area where Cromer excels. Running a major athletic department requires balancing ambitious goals with fiscal responsibility, a challenge that Cromer met repeatedly during her tenure at Ohio University. She was adept at securing sponsorships, managing budgets, and expanding fundraising efforts to support facility upgrades and athlete programs. LSU, with its expansive athletics portfolio spanning football, basketball, baseball, and numerous other sports, requires that same level of financial acumen to sustain and grow its programs in a competitive market.
Julie Cromer’s role as Executive Deputy Athletic Director and COO also involves close collaboration with LSU’s head coaches, athletes, and support staff. Building strong relationships across the department is crucial to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Cromer is known for her approachability and open communication style, which helps foster a collaborative atmosphere. At LSU, this means she will be central to aligning the efforts of coaches and administrators toward shared goals, ensuring that the entire athletics operation moves forward cohesively.
Her appointment also strengthens LSU’s ability to navigate NCAA regulations and maintain compliance. The complexity of NCAA rules requires diligent oversight to avoid infractions that could jeopardize the program’s reputation or eligibility. Cromer’s experience in compliance and governance adds a layer of protection for LSU, ensuring the department remains on solid footing as it pursues championship aspirations.
LSU fans and stakeholders can look forward to an exciting future with Julie Cromer as part of the leadership team. Her vision for LSU Athletics includes a commitment to elevating the student-athlete experience, enhancing competitive success, and expanding LSU’s presence nationally and internationally. By combining tradition with innovation, Cromer aims to position LSU as a model program in the ever-evolving landscape of college sports.
In conclusion, Julie Cromer’s hiring as Executive Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer of LSU Athletics is a landmark moment for the university. Her proven leadership, strategic insight, and dedication to holistic athlete development make her an ideal fit for this critical role. As LSU continues to build on its rich heritage, Cromer’s influence will be pivotal in shaping a vibrant, successful, and inclusive athletics program for years to come. The Tigers have made a statement: with Cromer at the helm of operations, LSU Athletics is poised for greatness both on and off the field.
