Rutgers' Costello Named Milwaukee Director of Athletics

(Release courtesy of UWMPanthers.com)

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- Rick Costello, Deputy Director of Athletics at Rutgers, has been named the Director of Athletics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

The announcement was made by UWM Interim Chancellor Michael R. Lovell.

"Rick is going to bring a high-level of energy and enthusiasm to Milwaukee Panther Athletics," Lovell said. "His experience with four NCAA Division I programs and background with premier athletic leagues like the Big East and Western Athletic Conference will greatly inform our work to serve our student-athletes and compete in the Horizon League."

Prior to his current position at Rutgers, Costello was the Director of Athletics at Delaware State University, Associate Athletic Director at the University of South Florida and Assistant Athletic Director for Business Operations; San Jose State University.

He also was an assistant men's basketball coach at Lehigh University and Cabrini College for a total of five seasons.

"I look forward to partnering with Interim Chancellor Lovell, the coaches, faculty and staff to build the best athletic program in the Horizon League," Costello said. "My goal is to create an amazing student-athlete experience and to build an athletic program that serves as a great source of pride for UWM."

Costello's responsibilities have included managing a $60 million annual budget, directing human resources for a full-time staff of more than 225 employees, aiding negotiations of a multimedia rights agreement, cultivating donor relationships and participating in a football stadium expansion analysis.

Costello holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Lehigh University and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Cum Laude, from Muhlenberg College.

Interim Chancellor Lovell expressed his appreciation to the UWM Search and Screen Committee, led by Vice Chancellor for University Relations and Communications Tom Luljak, for conducting a prompt and thorough search process.

Costello will begin his new duties at UWM in February. He will be joined in Milwaukee by his wife, Amy, and their four children - Kelsea, Lauren, Ryan and Lindsey.