Cleveland State University has named John Parry as interim athletic director, effective May 10. Parry will serve in that role, while the University continues its nationwide search to fill the position permanently. Parry was formerly athletic director for Butler University in Indianapolis from 1990 to 2006. Most recently, he has been working as a consultant in Indianapolis for various intercollegiate athletic programs.

“John was chosen because we believed that he will move the athletic program forward during his time here,” said University President Ron Berkman. “We don’t see this as a temporary caretaker position. John will be able to accomplish important work while he is here.”

During his time at Butler, the University won the Horizon League All Sport trophy four times. He 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.

At Brown, Parry 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.

“President Berkman has a wonderful vision for the University and for CSU’s athletics program,” Parry said. “I’m looking forward to building on the success that Lee Reed had established.”

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 16,000 students, 8 colleges and more than 250 academic programs, CSU provides a hands-on learning environment that connects students, ideas and real-world experience.

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