New Athletic Director to be sworn in Thursday

Portland State Athletics announced March 26 that Michael “Torre” Chrisholm will take over as the new Athletic Director.

On April 5, Chrisholm will officially take over for longtime interim Athletic Director Teri Mariani. Mariani took over the spot when former athletic director Tom Burman left office over 14 months ago.

Chrisholm has served as associate athletic director for development and marketing since September 2000, at University of California, Irvine. In Irvine, he increased fundraising by 200 percent and sponsorships by 150 percent. He also generated programs to increase enthusiasm for athletics around campus.

Chrisholm helped procure gifts and contributions that led to the construction of a Sports Medicine Center and the second phase of the school’s baseball park. Prior to UC Irvine, Chrisholm spent nine years at the University of California, Santa Barbara including five years as assistant athletic director for marketing and promotions.

The new director will be a key component to the changing athletic department by revitalizing fundraising and increasing interest in athletics among students. After former NFL and University of Hawaii football coach Jerry Glanville was hired last month, Chrisholm will be charged with bringing in more funding and higher revenue on ticket sales to help garner more respect for a growing program.