Julie Cromer Joins LSU Athletics as Executive Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer, Bringing Visionary Leadership and National Recognition to Baton Rouge
In a strategic and forward-thinking move, LSU Athletics has officially announced the hiring of Julie Cromer as the new Executive Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer. With this landmark addition, LSU not only gains a respected administrator with national credentials but also deepens its commitment to elite athletic governance, gender equity, student-athlete welfare, and comprehensive organizational leadership. For the LSU community and the broader landscape of collegiate athletics, Cromer’s arrival marks a pivotal moment in the continued evolution of one of the SEC’s premier athletic departments.
Julie Cromer is no stranger to high-profile leadership roles. Most recently serving as the Director of Athletics at Ohio University, Cromer built a track record of success that transcended wins and losses. Under her leadership, Ohio not only saw competitive success across multiple sports, but also made significant strides in academic achievement, mental health initiatives, and Title IX compliance. Cromer was a central figure in shaping national policy during a transformative era in college sports, serving on the NCAA Division I Council and the NCAA Transformation Committee. She now brings that wealth of experience to LSU—a university with national championship expectations and a proud athletic tradition.
Her appointment as Executive Deputy AD and COO is not just a title upgrade. It signals the trust LSU leadership has in Cromer to oversee the operational core of its expansive athletic programs. In this role, she will work hand-in-hand with Athletic Director Scott Woodward and serve as one of the highest-ranking officials in LSU Athletics, responsible for overseeing daily department operations, internal policies, and strategic planning across all sports and support services. This includes budgeting, compliance, facilities, personnel management, and student-athlete services.
What sets Cromer apart from many of her peers is her holistic view of college athletics. She has consistently championed the idea that student-athlete success is measured in both championships and character development. At Ohio, she launched groundbreaking programs in leadership development and wellness that became templates for mid-major programs across the country. Her approach is rooted in the belief that elite performance comes from sustainable culture—not just aggressive recruiting or flashy facilities.
Her experience extends far beyond the campus grounds of Athens, Ohio. Cromer has held prominent administrative positions at the University of Arkansas and the University of Indiana, where she was instrumental in navigating complex NCAA policy issues, negotiating major media rights deals, and pushing forward long-term strategic plans. She was also one of the first women in history to chair the NCAA Division I Council, where she worked to craft modernized policies around name, image, and likeness (NIL), mental health, and transfer regulations. Cromer’s voice has been sought by conference commissioners, university presidents, and federal policymakers alike—a testament to her reputation as both a thought leader and practical operator.
Her arrival at LSU could not come at a more critical time. The Tigers are riding high from recent successes—most notably in women’s basketball, baseball, and gymnastics—but face the same challenges as every major athletic department in the nation: navigating NIL, realignment, competitive balance, and evolving fan engagement strategies. The addition of someone with Cromer’s experience provides a powerful stabilizing force during a time of rapid change and intense scrutiny. For a university aiming to stay ahead of the curve in all these areas, she offers both experience and forward vision.
Cromer’s appointment also holds symbolic significance. As one of the few women to hold such a high-ranking position in the SEC, her presence alone sends a strong message about the changing face of athletic administration. College sports have long been dominated by male leadership at the highest levels. Cromer’s resume proves that excellence knows no gender, and LSU’s decision to bring her into such a prominent role underscores a commitment to diversity and inclusion at the top.
The news of her hiring was met with widespread praise across the NCAA community. Colleagues described her as “tireless,” “strategic,” and “a true student-athlete advocate.” Administrators who have worked with her cite her ability to make hard decisions, build consensus, and maintain integrity in even the most politically charged environments. And coaches who’ve worked under her say she understands what they need to win—without compromising core values.
LSU’s Athletic Director Scott Woodward released a statement emphasizing Cromer’s unique blend of national perspective and on-the-ground leadership. “Julie brings unmatched experience and insight into this role,” Woodward said. “She is someone who has helped shape college athletics at the national level while also successfully managing operations at some of the country’s most competitive institutions. We are thrilled to welcome her to Baton Rouge.”
Cromer herself, in her first remarks since the announcement, expressed excitement and humility. “LSU is one of the most storied athletic programs in the country, with a tradition of excellence both on and off the field,” she said. “I am honored to join such an outstanding team, and I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of LSU Athletics.” She went on to note that her core priorities remain unchanged: fostering a world-class student-athlete experience, supporting coaches and staff, and ensuring LSU remains a leader in the evolving college sports landscape.
Her new role will give her wide-ranging authority over internal functions, and she’s expected to quickly take the lead on several major initiatives. Chief among them will be integrating NIL support structures more effectively across sports, evaluating and refining LSU’s compliance infrastructure, and enhancing student-athlete wellness programs. She is also expected to work closely with coaches and university stakeholders to assess future facility needs and long-term planning—key components of maintaining competitiveness in the always-evolving SEC.
Cromer’s hiring also enhances LSU’s national credibility in NCAA governance circles. With her voice back in a Power Five setting, LSU regains an influential seat at the table as the future of college sports continues to be debated and defined in real time. Whether it’s NIL, student-athlete employment status, expanded playoff structures, or mental health legislation, Cromer brings deep expertise and nuanced understanding to the complex issues that define the current era of college athletics.
For students, alumni, and fans, her arrival signals stability and ambition. It assures that LSU Athletics is not standing still, but rather pushing forward, continuing to invest in the people and processes that shape champions—not just in games, but in life. For staff and coaches, it brings a leader who listens, communicates, and builds smart systems. And for the broader college sports world, it reaffirms LSU’s place at the top of the administrative elite.
As Cromer officially begins her tenure, there’s little doubt that her impact will be felt quickly. She has walked into challenging environments before and emerged with programs stronger, athletes better supported, and institutions more respected. Now, she brings that same energy and excellence to LSU, where expectations are sky-high and the stakes are always national.
In hiring Julie Cromer, LSU Athletics didn’t just make a strong move—they made the right one. Her combination of leadership, integrity, and innovation is exactly what the future of college sports demands. And now, that future runs right through Baton Rouge.
