In a move that reflects both ambition and vision, Louisiana State University has appointed Julie Cromer as the Executive Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer of LSU Athletics. This high-profile hire signals LSU’s continued dedication to athletic excellence, innovation, and long-term growth. Cromer is a proven leader, known across the national collegiate sports landscape for her strategic insight, transformational leadership, and ability to elevate athletic departments into models of success both on and off the field.
Julie Cromer joins LSU after a highly successful tenure as the Director of Athletics at Ohio University, where she served since 2019. Under her leadership, Ohio Athletics flourished competitively, academically, and financially. During her time in Athens, the football, men’s basketball, and women’s soccer teams all captured Mid-American Conference (MAC) titles. Perhaps most impressively, the Ohio football team recorded at least ten wins in each of the last three seasons, including an 11-3 campaign in 2024 that ended with a MAC Championship and a bowl victory. These achievements reflect Cromer’s ability to build competitive programs through thoughtful hiring, long-term planning, and a culture of discipline and development.
However, Cromer’s success extended well beyond the scoreboard. She championed academic achievement and student-athlete well-being with equal determination. Under her watch, Ohio student-athletes reached all-time high Graduation Success Rates of 94% in back-to-back years, and the department invested heavily in life skills, leadership development, and wellness programs. This comprehensive approach to student-athlete experience became one of the cornerstones of her leadership philosophy, emphasizing that excellence in athletics must be paired with academic integrity and holistic development.
Cromer also demonstrated her ability to fundraise and manage resources with precision. She secured the largest philanthropic gift in Ohio University Athletics history—a $2 million investment earmarked to enhance women’s sports. In addition, she oversaw a number of facility upgrades and capital improvements. Projects under her supervision included enhancements to Peden Tower, renovation of locker rooms and training areas in the Convocation Center, and upgrades to Ohio’s baseball and softball facilities. Her focus on infrastructure was strategic and inclusive, aimed not just at providing world-class facilities but at creating spaces that reflect the university’s values and priorities.
From an operational standpoint, Cromer restructured Ohio’s external relations and communication teams, launching a digital strategy unit that quickly rose to the top of the MAC in terms of social media engagement and content reach. She emphasized innovation and storytelling, ensuring that the Ohio Athletics brand could connect meaningfully with fans, alumni, and recruits in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Her strategic marketing and media efforts helped generate increased ticket sales, donor engagement, and sponsorship revenue.
Before joining Ohio University, Cromer built a remarkable resume with leadership positions at Power Five institutions and national organizations. At the University of Arkansas, she served as Senior Deputy Athletics Director, Associate Vice Chancellor, and Senior Woman Administrator. In that role, she managed 19 varsity programs and directly oversaw football, women’s basketball, and several Olympic sports. During her time in Fayetteville, the university celebrated two national championships and 17 Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles. Cromer was involved in virtually every facet of the department—from student-athlete welfare and Title IX compliance to broadcast operations, fan engagement, and corporate partnerships.
In terms of financial and operational impact, her work at Arkansas was especially noteworthy. As part of the external engagement team, she helped drive more than $90 million annually in revenue through a mix of media rights, ticket sales, sponsorships, and donor contributions. Her work laid the foundation for long-term fiscal stability and growth, even during periods of competitive transition and realignment. Cromer’s approach combined strategic planning with a relentless attention to detail, and she became widely known as a steady, focused leader capable of balancing day-to-day operations with broader institutional vision.
Her influence extends well beyond campus borders. In 2022, Cromer was appointed co-chair of the NCAA Transformation Committee, alongside SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. In that capacity, she played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Division I athletics, helping to modernize governance, clarify rules around Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and streamline student-athlete protections. She currently serves on the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee and has previously held leadership roles on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors and the Collegiate Commissioners Association. Cromer has become a sought-after voice on issues ranging from athlete compensation to competitive equity and institutional accountability.
Her professional accomplishments have earned her multiple national honors. In 2023, she was named Nike Executive of the Year by Women Leaders in College Sports, and in 2024 she received the NACDA Athletics Director of the Year award. She was also recognized in the Sports Business Journal’s 2022 “Game Changers” class, further cementing her reputation as one of the most respected administrators in the industry. These accolades are not merely symbolic—they reflect Cromer’s ability to deliver results while advancing values of integrity, equity, and innovation.
At LSU, Cromer steps into a high-impact leadership role with broad responsibility. She will oversee all 21 varsity sports programs and manage the day-to-day operations of the athletic department. Her portfolio will include revenue generation, strategic planning, capital projects, and cross-campus collaborations. She will work closely with Athletic Director Scott Woodward and other senior leaders to ensure that LSU maintains its elite status while adapting to the evolving realities of college sports. Her appointment also comes at a pivotal moment for the department, as LSU navigates a dynamic environment shaped by NIL developments, expanded media rights, and potential conference realignments.
Cromer replaces a recently vacated executive role, and her hiring sends a strong message: LSU is not just looking to sustain success—it is planning to expand it. Her expertise in infrastructure, finance, external affairs, and student-athlete development will allow LSU to continue pursuing championships while investing in long-term institutional priorities. Her national experience and board-level perspective will be invaluable as LSU aligns its athletic mission with broader changes in higher education and college athletics governance.
In her introductory remarks, Cromer described LSU as “one of the most recognizable and successful brands in college athletics” and expressed her excitement to contribute to its future. She emphasized collaboration, innovation, and accountability, aligning her personal leadership philosophy with the university’s values. LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward echoed that sentiment, praising Cromer’s track record and calling her a “widely respected leader” whose experience will help LSU navigate a transformational period.
Julie Cromer’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University and a master’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University. Her academic foundation in policy and public administration complements her extensive field experience, giving her a unique perspective on the regulatory, financial, and human aspects of running an elite collegiate athletics department. Her leadership style blends data-driven decision-making with a deep understanding of campus culture, and she is known for her ability to build consensus, lead change, and inspire confidence.
With her arrival in Baton Rouge, LSU Athletics gains not just an administrator, but a visionary. She is someone who understands how to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term planning, who can execute strategy while also shaping policy. She brings a strong national profile, a robust professional network, and a deep commitment to student-athlete welfare. As LSU continues to build on its rich athletic history—home to national championships, Heisman winners, and Olympic medalists—Julie Cromer is poised to guide the department into a bold new chapter.
Cromer’s impact will likely be felt quickly, especially in areas such as fundraising, capital development, digital strategy, and compliance. But her true legacy will be measured over time—in the culture she helps shape, the opportunities she creates, and the excellence she fosters across all programs. In an era where collegiate athletics faces unprecedented pressure and transformation, LSU has chosen a leader who thrives in complexity, drives innovation, and understands how to unite diverse stakeholders behind a shared mission.
Her arrival represents both a strategic move and a cultural investment. She brings credibility, competence, and confidence to a program that expects to win—and not just in football, but across every sport, every metric, and every standard of excellence. Julie Cromer’s career has been defined by advancement, and her latest role at LSU signals the beginning of a promising new chapter for both the university and the national athletics landscape. As she steps into her new position, there is no doubt that Cromer will continue to break ground, set standards, and help define what leadership in college athletics truly looks like.
