From Washington University Athletics
After more than 30 years in the Washington University in St. Louis Department of Athletics, Associate Director of Athletics Joe Worlund will depart the Danforth Campus to become the Director of Athletics at his alma mater, Graceland University, in Lamoni, Iowa.
Worlund, who entered his 33rd year at Washington University this fall, began his tenure in 1982 as the Director of Intramural and Club Sports. He held that position for 16 years before becoming the Assistant Director of Athletics. Worlund was promoted to Associate Director of Athletics July 1, 2010.
“My departure is certainly bitter sweet. Having spent my entire professional career here at Washington University,” Worlund said. “Everyone I have worked with professionally and all those players I was fortunate to coach over the years have been a part of my growth and development, and have guided me to this point in my career. As I reflect back on 32 years, it is hard to wrap my head around the moments...it has been a series of events over time no one can take those memories away from me.”
As the Associate Director of Athletics, Worlund has been responsible for the planning and implementation of policies and procedures for the effective operation and development of physical facilities, personnel management and budget management. He has also supervised and assisted assigned staff, coaches and programs. Worlund served as the tournament director of the 2010 and 2011 NCAA Division III Volleyball Championships held at Washington University. Most recently, he spent three years on the NCAA Division III Women’s Golf Committee, serving as the committee chair this season and the interim chair for the 2012-13 season.
“Graceland is to be congratulated for making such an outstanding hire in Joe Worlund. No one is more deserving of this opportunity than Joe,” Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. “For over three decades, he has built an incredible resume in college athletics, first as a student-athlete, then as a coach, and now as an administrator. His leadership and commitment to the experience and well-being of our student-athletes has been unmatched.”
In addition to his dedication to Washington University Athletics as an administrator, Worlund spent 12 seasons as an assistant volleyball coach under Teri Clemens. They led the Bears to seven NCAA Division III national championships, including six in a row from 1991-96. The program produced eight NCAA Division III Players of the Year and 36 All-Americans during Worlund’s tenure. Clemens and Worlund also received University Athletic Association (UAA) Coaching Staff of the Year honors 10 times.
"Pam and I are really excited for this unique opportunity after 34 years away from Graceland to come full circle," added Worlund. "This is one of those occasions when you have to leave ‘home’ to go ‘home’.”
Worlund will return to Graceland to lead an NAIA program that sponsors 22 varsity and 13 junior varsity sports. He was a four-year letterwinner in baseball for the Yellowjackets as an undergraduate, and was selected as the team’s Most Valuable Player as a senior. Worlund earned his bachelor’s degree in recreation and outdoor education from Graceland in 1980. He earned a master’s degree in recreation education from the University of Iowa in 1982.
The Department of Athletics will move quickly to fill Worlund’s vacancy. Worlund’s final day at Washington U. will be Oct. 15.