Salisbury University President Dr. Janet Dudley-Eshbach announced Wednesday morning that beginning August 1 Dr. Gerry DiBartolo will assume the role of interim athletic director over the course of the next two years. 

"As change gives us the opportunity to renew and refresh the program, I have asked Gerry to plan on a two-year interim appointment to give us time to assess our current operation and be sure that we are as effective as we can be," Dr. Dudley-Eshbach said. "I look forward to working with Dr. DiBartolo in this new role and hope that all on campus will offer your support and best wishes."

DiBartolo has been at Salisbury since 1979 and took the role of head men's soccer coach in 1982. Since 2008 DiBartolo has served as assistant athletic director. He has been a faculty member in the Perdue School of Business since 1979 serving in the roles of instructor, assistant and currently associate professor. 

"I thank Dr. Dudley-Eshbach for the confidence she has shown in me with this interim role," DiBartolo said. "I have always tried to help the athletic department and University in any way I can and this is the best way that I can be of service at this time."

DiBartolo will coach the men's soccer team this fall, as planned. He will take the interim athletic director role upon the departure of Dr. Michael Vienna who will leave the University at the end of July, closing 26 years with the University.