The University of Toledo

04/23/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2026 08:22

UToledo Names Tom Moreland VP and Director of Athletics

UToledo Names Tom Moreland VP and Director of Athletics

April 23, 2026 | Athletics, News, UToday, Alumni
By Jen Sorgenfrei


The University of Toledo has announced the appointment of Tom Moreland as the Rockets' new Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Director of Athletics. He succeeds Bryan Blair, who recently departed to lead the athletics department at Syracuse University.

The selection of Moreland follows an extensive national search to find a leader capable of building upon the momentum established during Blair's successful term.

Tom Moreland was chosen to chart a bold course for the future of Rocket Athletics.

"Tom stands out as a visionary leader with a proven track record of resource development and fostering a culture of excellence in the quickly changing landscape of collegiate athletics," UToledo President James Holloway said. "His expertise in strategic planning, engagement and commitment to the holistic development of our student-athletes make him the ideal leader to guide Rocket Athletics into this next chapter. We are thrilled to welcome Tom and his family to the Toledo community."

Currently, Moreland serves as the Chief Commercial Officer at University of Illinois. Among his responsibilities is overseeing all commercial aspects of Fighting Illini athletics, including training and education for a comprehensive NIL program, the I FUND, corporate sponsorship and merchandise, fan experience, marketing, and external engagement. While in his current role the Fighting Illini have enjoyed record season ticket sales, realized 100% growth in the I FUND and have been recognized as the leading revenue-generating men's basketball program in the Big Ten Conference. Moreland also led development of a women's sports sales and marketing strategy leading to a 230% increase in women's basketball season tickets.

"I am honored to be chosen by UToledo to lead this storied athletic department," Moreland said. "The Rockets have a reputation for competitive excellence and a passionate fan base. I look forward to working with our talented coaches, staff and the entire Toledo community to ensure our student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed in the classroom, in competition and in life."

Prior to his time at University of Illinois, Moreland held leadership positions at Purdue University and University of Iowa. His career is marked by a dedicated focus on strategic engagement, fundraising and revenue generation to support the student athlete experience.

Moreland earned a master's degree in intercollegiate athletic leadership from the University of Washington and a master's in business administration from Purdue University Global. He has two bachelor's degrees - sports management and journalism and mass communications - from the University of Iowa where he played baseball for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Moreland is married to Jen. They are parents to two sons, Hayes and Jones.

The University looks forward to welcoming Tom and his family to campus in the coming days to introduce them to Rocket Nation.

Brian Lutz continues to provide leadership as interim vice president and director of athletics until Moreland's start date is determined.

The University of Toledo is a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and fields 16 NCAA Division I varsity sports programs. The Rockets have a long-standing tradition of excellence, consistently ranking among the top programs in the conference for both athletic performance and academic achievement.

The University of Toledo published this content on April 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 23, 2026 at 14:23 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]