On Monday, St. Joseph’s University announced that Ashwin “Ash” Puri has been named the university’s new vice president and director of athletics.
Most recently, Puri has served as vice president for athletics and recreation and director of athletics at La Salle University, a job he has held since 2023.
Puri will take over for the departed Jill Bodensteiner, who left the university in April to become the Horizon League commissioner.
He joins Saint Joseph’s from La Salle University. He brings more than two decades of experience as a leader in collegiate and professional sports, including senior roles at Villanova University, the University of California, Berkeley, the Oakland Athletics, the NBA, and the NFL.
“After an extensive national search and deliberation over a robust and talented applicant pool, I am pleased to share that Ash Puri has been named Saint Joseph’s new vice president and director of athletics. Ash brings more than two decades of experience building championship programs, elevating the student-athlete experience, driving revenue growth and stewarding academic excellence, all while fostering a culture of belonging,” said St. Joe’s university president Cheryl McConnell said in an announcement on Monday.
In Puri’s new role, he will lead a division comprising approximately 500 student-athletes across 21 NCAA Division I men’s and women’s varsity programs competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference, as well as robust club sports and campus recreation programs.
“I have long admired Saint Joseph’s – its mission, its values, the way it develops student-athletes both in competition and in life. So, when this opportunity arose, it felt like a natural fit,” Puri said in a statement. “I’m excited to bring energy, passion, and a deep commitment to this role. There is a strong foundation here, and I look forward to building on it alongside St. Joe’s student-athletes and staff.”
Leave a Reply