Christopher Bledsoe, who has served as New York University's Director of Athletics since September 1996 and was elevated to Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics in November 2011, will be stepping down from his roles as of August 31, 2020.

"Chris has served with distinction as NYU's Athletic Director for more than 23 years," said Marc Wais, NYU's Senior Vice President for Student Affairs. "As Athletic Director, Chris ensured that our athletes and our athletic programs embodied the Division III philosophy of true student-athletes: our athletes not only excelled in their sport, but also in the classroom, lab and theatres. We wish him all the best as he embarks on the next chapter of his life!"    

During Bledsoe's tenure, NYU student-athletes have consistently earned grade point averages and graduation rates equal to or superior to those of the general student population. In 2018-19, NYU student-athletes posted cumulative GPAs of 3.40 in the fall and 3.41 in the spring.  

Leading a staff of over 600 professional and student employees, Bledsoe has overseen one of the nation's most comprehensive and successful collegiate athletic programs, fielding 23 varsity sports teams, 25 intercollegiate club teams comprising over 1,250 student-athletes, a recreation course program that historically has enrolled over 9,000 persons each year, and an intramural program with over 8,500 annual participants.

Three NYU varsity teams have won NCAA Division III National Championships during Bledsoe's time at NYU: the 1997 women's basketball team, the 2007 men's cross country team and the 2019 women's golf team.

In 2013, NYU rose as high as #6 in the country in the 2013-14 NACDA (National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics) Cup standings.

Under Bledsoe's leadership, NYU was honored as the 2006 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Jostens Institution of the Year. Other distinctions include NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Gold Excellence Awards in 2007 and 2011, two Silver Awards in 2012 and a Bronze in 2015.

Overall, NYU has won 37 University Athletic Association (UAA) team championships since Bledsoe was hired.

A native of Dubuque, IA, and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Bledsoe owns a Bachelor of Science degree from Fairfield University and an MBA from Pace University.

"I've had the pleasure of working with great coaches and staff, each dedicated to serving the students. Their thoughtfulness, nimbleness, creativity, and skill has been truly impressive," Bledsoe said. "Our student-athletes represent the best of New York University. They are proof that athletics can be a key part of a student's education and set the stage for successful lives. I take great pride when I reflect on the talented students who have worn the uniform. I am appreciative of those in the athletics community who have provided sound advice, wise counsel and always good competition. I look forward with excitement to what comes next."

NYU will now begin an international search for Bledsoe's replacement.