Valpo athletic director announces resignation
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Charles Small is stepping down as the director of athletics from Valparaiso University, the school announced Monday. In a statement, Small said he made the decision in order to pursue new opportunities for him and his family.
Small was named to the position in May 2022 and began his tenure the following July.
During his short run in the role, Valparaiso’s soccer program won the school’s first Missouri Valley Conference regular season championship of any sport in 2022 and the department’s first MVC Tournament title in any sport in 2023.
He also hired Roger Powell Jr. as the new head coach of the university’s men’s basketball team.
“During the 18 months that Charles served in this position, he made significant improvements to the Athletics-Recreation Center, ushered in a new era for the Valpo men’s basketball program and contributed to strategic plan initiatives aimed at improving the student-athlete and fan experiences,” Valparaiso University President Jose Padilla said in a news release. “I want to thank Charles for his hard work and wish him and his family the very best in their next chapter.”
The university has named Laurel Hosmer interim director of athletics until a permanent successor is found. Hosmer currently serves as deputy athletic director for revenue generation and senior woman administrator.
Hosmer joined the athletics department this year, and Valpo said she has provided oversight of the university’s strategic approach to generating revenue through philanthropic giving, NIL, sponsorships and more.
“Our dedicated coaches, athletics staff members, University community and fans provide a strong support system to help us sustain our exceptional student-athlete experience as we collectively lead through change,” Hosmer said. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve on behalf of the department of athletics at Valparaiso University and I look forward to what we can accomplish together.”
Hosmer came to Valpo after serving as director of athletic development at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
The university said it will conduct a nationwide search for the next permanent director of athletics, but did not provide an estimated timeline for when a selection could be made.