Ross Bjork Is Named Associate Athletic Director

July 30, 2003

The University of Miami announced today that Ross Bjork has been named Associate Athletic Director for External Operations. Bjork, who will begin his duties on August 18, replaces Patrick Nero who left the Hurricanes this past April to become Director of Athletics at the University of Maine.

In his position with Miami, Bjork will oversee all external operations including the Hurricane Club, marketing, ticket sales, fundraising and the athletic department’s capital campaign.

In making the announcement, UM Athletic Director Paul Dee said “We are extremely fortunate to have attracted Ross to the University of Miami from the University of Missouri. His experience and background there will allow him to assume his new role quickly. He is a tremendous addition to our staff.”

Bjork joins the Hurricanes from the University of Missouri where he was the Assistant Athletic Director for Development. In that capacity, he was responsible for all aspects of the athletic development office and departmental special events and oversaw a capital campaign that raised $87 million.

After joining the Tigers’ staff in April 1997, Bjork initially served as the athletic department’s Athletic Development Officer before being promoted to Director-Tiger Scholarship Fund in April 1999 and to Assistant Athletic Director for Development in April 2001. During his tenure with the Tigers, annual giving rose from $ 2.1 million in 1997 to $5.4 million in 2002.

A native of Dodge City, Kansas, Bjork earned an undergraduate degree from Emporia State University in 1995 and a Master’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1996.