Dr. Nicki Moore named director of athletics

Nicki Webber Moore, vice president and director of athletics at Colgate University, has been named Cornell’s Meakem Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education.

Moore will become the university’s first female director of athletics when she begins her new role Jan. 17, 2023.

“Our diverse athletics and physical education programs form a vital part of the Cornell experience, building leadership, wellness and camaraderie for generations of Cornellians,” President Martha E. Pollack said. “Dr. Moore’s expertise and commitment will be a tremendous asset to our community, and she is an excellent choice to lead and strengthen those programs in the years ahead.”The appointment was announced to the Department of Athletics and Physical Education by Ryan Lombardi, vice president for student and campus life.

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Moore to the Cornell Big Red family,” Lombardi said. “Nicki is a seasoned, collaborative and strategic leader who is deeply committed to the success of student-athletes both within and outside of the competitive arena. I look forward to seeing all she does to build upon Cornell’s rich tradition of intercollegiate athletic excellence and to amplify the tremendous impact that a robust recreational and physical education program has on the academic and personal growth of all students.”

Moore will succeed J. Andrew Noel, who took over as director of athletics in 1999 and has led the Big Red to 105 Ivy League team titles and 35 national championships (17 team, 18 individual). She takes the reins of an athletics program that features 37 Division I varsity sports, the fourth-largest portfolio of any school in the nation.

To read more, see the full announcement on the Cornell Chronicle.