Joel Lamp named Interim Director of Athletics at JU

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University President Kerry Romesburg has named Joel Lamp as Interim Director of Athletics, replacing Alan Verlander. 

Lamp, a seven-year veteran of the athletics department, currently serves as the Associate Athletics Director for External Operations – overseeing JU Athletics marketing, communication, fund raising and corporate sponsorship department.  He also has sport oversight responsibilities, guiding the men’s and women’s golf teams as well as the men’s lacrosse team while also developing the football schedule each season. 

He replaces Verlander, who will move into his new role as the Executive Director of Sports & Entertainment for the city of Jacksonville after May 5. 

“Joel has been an invaluable member of the athletics department and brings the skill set we need to continue moving our programs forward on an interim basis,” Romesburg said.  “Joel knows our coaches, he knows our student-athletes, he knows the University and he knows where we want our programs to go.”

 Lamp came to Jacksonville in 2005 as the Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations after a stint at the LPGA.  During his tenure at JU, Lamp has been a part of the Dolphins hosting the 2006 and 2010 first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament, building the Moe’s Southwest Grill Classic lacrosse event as well as the creation and development of the Sea Best Invitational golf tournament into one of the top tournaments in the country. 

“I am humbled by this opportunity and appreciate the faith that President Romesburg and the Board of Trustees have in me to lead this program,” Lamp said. “I have been extremely fortunate to work for, and learn from, one of the best ADs in the business in Alan Verlander.  His leadership has been a driving force in our success.  While he leaves us, he does so having put our programs in position to continue our success in the coming years and will continue to be a part of our programs well into the future.” 

The search for Verlander’s full-time replacement will begin in the coming weeks, led by University Trustee John Harrison, with the assistance of a search committee and advisement from an executive search firm. Lamp will be a candidate for the full-time position.

“The Board and I will conduct a comprehensive search for our Athletic Director,” Romesburg said.  “The athletics program is an integral part of our University, and we want to find the right person to work with our coaches and student athletes to best assure its continued success.”