Salisbury University President Janet Dudley-Eshbach today announced the resignation of Dr. Michael Vienna, director of athletics and recreation, who has accepted the Clyde Partin Sr. Director of Athletics position at Emory University in Atlanta.

“While this is an excellent opportunity for Mike, all individuals associated in one way or another with Sea Gull athletics will miss the experience, wisdom, and standard of excellence that Mike has brought to Salisbury University over the past 26 years,” said Dudley-Eshbach.

Appointed director of athletics at Salisbury in May 1993, after serving as the University's associate director of athletics for the previous four years, Vienna has seen the Salisbury University athletics department grow with the addition of four varsity sports (women’s soccer, men’s and women’s indoor track & field, and men’s swimming) while seeing national success in each sport and the department as a whole. All of Salisbury’s 21 varsity sports have had representation in an NCAA Division III championship event in Vienna’s time, while the Sea Gulls have placed in the top 25 in the Director’s Cup standings 13 times. During his tenure, Salisbury has competed in more than 7,300 games, winning more than 5,000, and has earned 17 team national championships and 12 individual national titles.

“I am eternally grateful to everyone whom I have had the incredible pleasure of working with for the past 26 years at SU,” Vienna said. “The tremendous success we have achieved is a direct reflection of our administrative support and the extraordinary efforts of our talented and dedicated staff and student-athletes. On a daily basis I stand in awe of the remarkable accomplishments of so many individuals who have made us A Maryland University of National Distinction.

“I have been flattered by President Janet Dudley-Eshbach and her desire not to let me leave, but more importantly, I am thankful for her years of tremendous support to our department, to the University and to me personally. She is a true Sea Gull champion.”

Vienna will remain at SU into July. The University will name an interim director while a full search is conducted.