Long awaited search comes to an end; Southern Illinois hires Tim Leonard to be new athletic director

The Salukis have hired former Towson athletic director Tim Leonard to lead SIU sports for the coming years. Leonard spent eight years at Towson (from 2013-2021) before joining Southern Illinois.

The hiring process began in 2021 after former athletic director Liz Jarnigan was fired in close proximity to a scandal involving the SIU swim team.

The school hired a temporary A.D., Matt Kupec, who held the position until the end of the academic year. The search began during his temporary role, as Kupec made it evident he did not want the full-time position. 

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At Towson, Leonard oversaw a $25 million dollar budget and 19 different sports programs. He will be expected to take on more responsibility at SIU when he begins Aug. 1st. 

Southern Illinois University will introduce Leonard on July 26 at 5 p.m. in the Banterra Center. 

Sports Reporter Cole Daily can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at cdaily_de

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