June 3, 2008

Bismarck, ND--University of Mary President Sister Thomas Welder introduced Roger Thomas as the school's new athletic director at a press conference Tuesday, June 3, 2008.

"We are extremely blessed to be able to introduce Roger Thomas as our new athletic director and welcome him and his wife Dorothy to the University of Mary family," stated Welder. "It is with immense pride and gratitude that we welcome a person with such great experience, integrity, enthusiasm, leadership and love of our state. Roger will certainly help continue the Marauders' tradition of excellence and help propel the University of Mary to national prominence in NCAA Division II athletics."

Thomas, who since 2005 has been commissioner of the North Central Conference (NCC), succeeds Al Bortke, becoming the school's second athletic director.

"I am proud and excited to be part of the University of Mary community," said Thomas. "I've always been impressed with the quality of the student athlete here and know it is a reflection of the high academic and athletic standards set forth by the university. These are exciting times to be at the University of Mary and to be a Marauder. I feel blessed and privileged to be part of this history. I'm eager to help take the program forward and build on the successes the Marauders have had regionally and nationally in NCAA Division II athletics."

Born on Aug. 19, 1947, in Chicago, IL, Thomas played running back and quarterback at Augustana (IL) College, earning his undergraduate degree in physical education and history in 1969. Thomas earned a master's degree from the University of South Dakota in 1972.

Thomas' stellar athletic record began on the gridiron where he led the University of North Dakota football team from 1986 to 1998. During that span he earned coach of the year honors nine times and guided the Sioux to three consecutive North Central Championships (1993 to 1995) and nine consecutive winning seasons.

In 1999 Thomas took his leadership to the administrative level where he was UND's athletic director until 2005. During his tenure as A.D., the school won NCAA Division II titles in football (2001) and men's hockey (2000); created a positive environment for coaches; and was responsible for the growth of the school's athletic facilities. Most importantly, Thomas evidenced an unwavering commitment to student athletes and their academic performance.

According to the NCC, Thomas will receive the Legacy Award, an honor given to individuals who have provided long-term and successful service to the NCC.

At U-Mary, Thomas inherits an athletic program that has enjoyed tremendous success at the NAIA level and later in NCAA Division II under Bortke. Bortke, who announced his retirement earlier this spring, following a 35-year tenure, will serve as an associate athletic director through June 2009. After arriving at U-Mary in 1973 as the head basketball coach and A.D., Bortke became U-Mary's first full-time athletic director in 1989 after helping the Marauders achieve a 335-156 record on the court. During Bortke's tenure, U-Mary grew from one varsity sport (men's basketball) to 19, as the Marauders athletic program became a national power in the NAIA. A member of both the Marauders and NAIA athletic halls of fame, Bortke spearheaded the University of Mary's move to NCAA Division II.

The University of Mary is a member of NCAA Division II and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and offers nine varsity sports for women and 10 for men. U-Mary became an active member of the NCAA in 2007. The process took only three years after the NCAA waived the final two provisional years, making the University of Mary's transition to active membership one of the quickest in the organization's history.

Thomas will begin as athletic director at the University of Mary on July 1.

Thomas' family includes wife Dorothy, son Drew, and daughter Jessica.