KINGSTON, R.I., Nov. 5, 2025 — After nearly two decades of dedicated service to the University of Rhode Island, Vice President and Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn will step down from his position to accept a leadership opportunity at his alma mater, the University of Massachusetts.
Bjorn joined URI in 2007 and, during his 18 years in Kingston, emphasized an athletics culture rooted in excellence, transforming URI into one of the Atlantic 10's most consistent and well-rounded member schools. Under his leadership, Rhode Island teams won 40 league championships, including 11 titles across six sports in the past three years—one of the strongest competitive stretches in school history.
Rhode Island's athletics achievements during his tenure include landmark moments across multiple programs. The men's basketball team won the 2017 Atlantic 10 Tournament title and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championship in consecutive years (2017 and 2018). Baseball claimed its first NCAA Regional victory in 2016, while men's track and field and women's rowing combined for numerous A-10 crowns and NCAA appearances. Recent highlights include women's basketball's first conference title, football's 2024 CAA championship and return to the FCS postseason for the first time since 1985, and baseball's A-10 championship and NCAA appearance this past spring.
The department's success extends well beyond athletics. Last fall, URI student-athletes achieved a record 3.26 cumulative GPA, with over half earning Dean's List honors. Community engagement also is a hallmark of Rhody athletics, with URI student-athletes and coaches regularly contributing to local and statewide initiatives.
"Thorr's leadership has been instrumental in elevating Rhode Island athletics to new levels of competitive success, academic achievement, and community engagement," said URI President Marc Parlange. "The remarkable achievements of our student-athletes and our teams reflect URI's commitment to developing student-athletes who excel in all areas of their lives."
Bjorn also has been instrumental in advancing the University's athletics facilities and fundraising efforts. With the support of state leaders and private donors, last year URI secured $65.8 million in state funding to enhance athletics infrastructure and support upgrades to football, baseball, softball, track and field, soccer, and swimming facilities. Those projects, along with the recently opened $8 million Soloviev Basketball Practice Facility, demonstrate URI's continued investment in long-term athletics success.
A respected leader nationally, Bjorn served as chair of the Atlantic 10 Athletics Directors and represented CAA Football on the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee. He also is a two-time NACDA FCS Athletics Director of the Year (2016, 2025).
"As I close this remarkable 18-year chapter, I'm filled with gratitude for everyone who made this journey so special," Bjorn said. "Thank you to President Bob Carothers for giving me a chance, to President David Dooley for 12 years of partnership, and to my friend President Marc Parlange for his belief and support that helped elevate URI Athletics. I'm also deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees, my leadership colleagues and our academic deans, and our elected state leaders for their strong support. To Rhody Nation—your unwavering spirit has been the heart of it all. To our dedicated staff, coaches, and thousands of student-athletes—you've inspired me every day. And to our season ticket holders, donors, and alumni—thank you for strengthening the Rhody family. Most of all, thank you to my wife, Cyndy, and our daughters, Stephanie, Robyn, and Rachael, for their love and support. I leave with nothing but gratitude."
Bjorn's final day at URI will be Nov. 29. In his new role as senior deputy athletics director and chief administrative officer at UMass, Bjorn will assume oversight of the school's FBS football program and will assist with all administrative and managerial aspects of the athletics department, with a particular focus on external and public-facing units.
The return to Amherst, Massachusetts, is a homecoming of sorts for Bjorn. In addition to his decade and a half as a staff member, he earned both bachelor's and master's degrees from UMass and was a three-year letterwinner in football for the Minutemen.
"Thorr and his wife, Cyndy, welcomed Mary and me to URI when we arrived in Kingston," Parlange said. "They have been a constant source of friendship, and I am grateful to both of them for their countless contributions to URI and to our South County community. Mary and I wish them great success in this next chapter."
Brittney Miles, associate athletics director for internal operations, will serve as interim athletics director while the University engages in a national search for its next athletics director. Miles joined URI in 2013 as an academic advisor and student-athlete affairs coordinator and has served as associate athletics director since 2019.
"We remain committed to ensuring our student-athletes have the resources and support necessary to compete for championships, excel academically, and contribute meaningfully to the community, while also providing our alumni and loyal fans with experiences that strengthen their Rhody pride and engagement with URI," Parlange said.
