FIRST ON 3: Howey named interim Athletic Director

WILMINGTON, NC (NEWS RELEASE) – The University of North Carolina Wilmington today announced that Pat Howey has been named interim director of athletics.

Howey, a veteran member of the athletic department, has been associated with the program since August 1985 and served in this interim role about four years ago. She will assume additional responsibilities as interim athletic director, effective immediately.

“I am very pleased that Pat has agreed to take on the responsibility of leading our athletic department once again as we begin our search for a new athletic director,” stated UNCW Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo. “For years, she has served as a well-respected member of the department, and she is passionate about this university. As we move forward with a thorough national search for a permanent athletic director, we are confident that Pat possesses the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to lead our athletics program.”

Howey replaces outgoing athletic director Kelly Mehrtens, who resigned to seek other opportunities.

“I am honored to serve as interim athletic director of this university again and am eager to meet the challenges that accompany this position,” said Howey. “I look forward to working with the athletic department’s coaches and staff as we continue to provide the best athletic programs for our student athletes.”

A national search for a permanent replacement for Mehrtens will be announced in the near future.