BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – Dr. William E. Martinov, Jr. has been named Director of Athletics as Long Island University prepares for its first year of competition as a unified Division I athletic program.
"We are fortunate that Bill agreed to take on the leadership of our Division I athletic program. Bill's student-centered career, in developing successful athletic programs and student academic services, will help lead LIU into a new era of championship athletics," said LIU President Dr. Kimberly Cline.
Dr. Martinov, a higher education professional with over 30 years of experience, has provided invaluable leadership at LIU during the past three years in alumni, employer relations, and two of LIU's regional campuses. He has also assisted with athletic fundraising. Previously, Martinov served as Chief of Student Affairs, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, and Director of Athletics at both public and private universities.
Martinov began his coaching career at Austin Peay State University as a Graduate Assistant Football Coach. He then worked as the top Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of Notre Dame for 11 seasons, where he served on the staff for 10 major bowl games and the Irish's 1988 football National Championship title. During that time, Bill started a lifelong friendship with Rudy Ruttiger, from the movie Rudy.
Martinov has coached numerous first round NBA, MLB and NFL draft picks as well as college All-Americans during his career. His significant advancement experience includes fundraising for two capital campaigns, each in excess of $250 million, which included successfully soliciting a number of major gifts for athletic facilities and scholarships.
"It's a tremendous honor to lead the LIU athletics program, and I want to thank Dr. Cline, the Board of Trustees and our entire athletic department for this great opportunity. My family and I are excited about the future of LIU's Shark Nation," stated Martinov.
A native of South Bend, Indiana, Martinov is a graduate of DePauw University where he earned his bachelor's degree in economics and lettered in football. He also holds a master's degree in health and physical education from Austin Peay State University, and a master's degree in administration from the University of Notre Dame. Martinov earned his doctoral degree in educational administration from St. John's University. His dissertation focused on the leadership behavior of college football coaches. Additionally, he holds leadership certificates from Harvard University and the Center of Creative Leadership as well as a law and policy certificate in student affairs.
Martinov succeeds former Director of Athletics, Debbie DeJong, who accepted a position at Stony Brook University. "We want to thank Debbie for her strong leadership and commitment to LIU athletics. We wish her all the best," remarked Dr. Kimberly Cline.
The LIU Sharks kick off the 2019 fall season with a men's soccer exhibition at St. John's University on August 18th and women's soccer games on August 23rd at University of San Diego and August 25th at San Diego State.