BREAKING: UH-Hilo Athletic Director Leaving for Southern Nevada

University of Hawai`i at Hilo Athletic Director Dexter Irvin is leaving the school to take a similar position at the College of Southern Nevada.

Irvin announced his decision, effective Dec. 31, in an e-mail to the athletic program’s corporate sponsors today. He said he will start his new job in January.

“Dexter contributed greatly to the progress of UH-Hilo Athletics,” said Chancellor Donald Straney in a statement. “He worked tirelessly to move our diverse athletics program forward, and his efforts are greatly appreciated by the University and local community. We wish him all the best in his new position.”

Irvin joined UH-Hilo on Sept. 1, 2009 after spending four years in a similar role at Dixie State College in St. George, UT. During that time, Irvin helped transition the school, which is now branded at Dixie State University, into NCAA Division II membership.

In the e-mail, Irvin said that he will oversee athletics at Southern Nevada, which currently fields teams in baseball and softball. He said that he will “work to maximize the current sports and then build in new ones.”

“I am very sad to be leaving my association with each of you and the community,” said Irvin in the message. “I have a great deal of admiration and faith in each of you and what you represent.  The experience has been phenomenal and I have learned and grown from my association with you. Each of you have had a profound influence in my life and I am grateful for the time.”

In a news release, UH-Hilo announced that it will appoint Timothy Moore, current director of its Campus Recreation Department, as the interim athletic director beginning Jan. 1, 2014. The move awaits final approval after a review of the University of Hawai`i system policies.

Moore founded his department when he arrived in 2008. He came to UH-Hilo from Southern Methodist University, where he served in various roles at the school’s recreational sports department from 1992-2008.

The university expects to launch a national search for a permanent athletic director next year.

***Updated at 10:42 a.m.***