John Parry Named Cleveland State Athletic Director

CLEVELAND, Ohio - After an extensive nationwide search, Cleveland State University has named John Parry to athletic director, effective April 15. Parry has served as interim director at CSU since May 2010. CSU President Ronald Berkman said during that time Parry has proven himself to be an effective leader.

"We knew that John had the experience and an impressive track record, and in less than a year he has demonstrated repeatedly that he can move our athletic program forward," Berkman said. "CSU prides itself on developing first-class student-athletes who excel academically, and John has worked well to advance that vision."

Parry served as athletic director for Butler University in Indianapolis from 1990 to 2006, during which the University won the Horizon League All Sport trophy four times and was instrumental in increasing sponsorship income and fundraising revenue.

Prior to his work at Butler, Parry was director of athletics for Brown University in Providence, R.I. , where he oversaw 30 varsity teams and helped revitalize the school's crew, track and wrestling programs. A graduate of Brown himself, with a Master's in business administration from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, Parry played varsity football, basketball and lacrosse.

With 17 Division I sports teams, CSU's varsity athletes exceed the GPA's of the vast majority of rival universities in the region - most earning a 3.0 or higher. The University's premier basketball program has earned bids to the NCAA and NIT Championships three of the last four years.

About Cleveland State University
Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for engaged learning. With an enrollment of more than 17,000 students, eight colleges and approximately 200 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2011 as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.

(Release courtesy of CSUAthletics.com)