Athletics department chooses new temporary director

A new interim athletic director, Valerie Cleary, will begin her new role at Portland State on Oct. 13, according to the PSU-issued email sent out this morning.

Torre Chisholm announced his resignation last month.

Cleary “will serve until the University hires a permanent replacement for Chisholm,” according to the PSU email.

“In the short time Valerie has been here she’s shown strong leadership and concern for student-athletes,” said PSU President Wim Wiewel, “and I look forward to working with her in the interim.”

Cleary has been at PSU since 2013. According to the email, she has managed “the vital internal operations of the athletic department, including human resources, sport supervision and the formulation, implementation and adherence to gender equity and minority issues plans. She also produces the Equity in Athletics Data Analysis report, and she is the spokesperson for the needs and interests of women and minorities within the athletic department, campus and community.”

“I am honored to accept Dr. Wiewel’s request to serve as the interim athletic director for the PSU athletics program,” said Cleary. “As we embark on the search for the new AD, I am excited to help shape the vision and future of Viking Athletics.”

Cleary has also worked at Pacific University as an event coordinator and worked in athletics at Boise State.

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