UW-River Falls director of athletics resigns

Director of Athletics Roger Ternes has resigned after six years at UW-River Falls.

Ternes' resignation will be effective Aug. 5. Executive Assistant to the Chancellor Beth Schommer said in an email that Ternes did not give a reason for resigning.

Ternes told the River Falls Journal that the biggest obstacle being faced by UWRF Athletics is a reduction in budgets and staff as a result of a decrease in state funding. UWRF saw a $2.87 million base cut in its budget for 2015-17, and the UW System as whole saw a reduction of $250 million.

In an official statement, UWRF Chancellor Dean Van Galen said that he is grateful for Ternes' leadership, especially in a time that is challenging for the university. Galen also noted the importance of Ternes when it came to the planning and development of the new Falcon Center.

While at UWRF, Ternes also served as the chair of the committee that decides on a new class of coaches, student athletes, teams and contributors to be inducted to the UWRF Athletics Hall of Fame every year.

As for looking for a replacement, Schommer said that due to the timing of the resignation, an interim athletic director will have to be appointed while the plans for a search are being developed.

Ternes did not respond when contacted for a comment.