June 9, 2004

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Nancy Lyons, who has served as Northwestern University's associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator since 1996, was named senior assistant director of athletics at Boston University today (June 9). BU's Executive Director of Athletics Jack Parker made the announcement.

Among Lyons's responsibilities will be to oversee the athletic department's compliance with the rules of the NCAA and the Terriers' athletic conferences. This had been the role filled by Averill Haines, who retired May 28 after serving the University and the athletic department for 30 years.

In addition to compliance, Lyons will also be responsible for the management of a number of varsity sports.

"I can't thank Nancy enough for the outstanding job she did here at Northwestern," said Mark Murphy, NU's director of athletics. "She ran a top-flight compliance department and was an excellent liaison with numerous campus offices. We wish her the best as she returns home to Boston."

Lyons is familiar with the Boston University athletic department having worked in the department from 1984-1993. Initially, she was the business office manager from 1984-86 and then served as the assistant business manager from 1986-89. During her final four years, she was the athletic facilities manager.

In July 1993, Lyons moved to Southern Connecticut State University where she was the associate director of athletics/senior woman administration.

Finally, in November 1996, she was named the associate director of athletics for intercollegiate services/senior woman administrator at Northwestern. While in Evanston, she was in charge of compliance, while she also served as the liaison for the Department of Athletics with the University's admissions, financial aid and registrar's offices. She also was responsible for eight of the University's sports.

In addition, since July 2002, she has been a member of the NCAA Division 1 Management Council and is a past member of the NCAA Division 1 Championships and Competition Cabinet.

A 1976 graduate of Bridgewater State College, she received her Ed.M. in policy, planning, and administration from Boston University in 1989. From 1994-96, she did postgraduate work in counseling at Southern Connecticut State University.

An ardent runner, Lyons has qualified for and completed 12 Boston Marathons and completed eight other marathons in various cities.