The University of Northern Colorado announced Monday that Darren Dunn will become director of Athletics.

UNC will officially introduce Dunn during a news conference at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the High Plains Room at Nottingham Field, intersection of 17th Avenue and Reservoir Road.

"Darren Dunn brings the energy, passion and commitment we were looking for in the next leader of UNC Athletics," said UNC President Kay Norton. "I'm confident that he will lead us to compete at the highest levels of the Big Sky Conference by an unwavering focus on academic and athletic success for our student athletes."

Dunn, currently deputy athletics director at the University of Houston, has 22 years of experience in athletics.

"First, I would like to thank President Norton, the Board of Trustees and the search committee for selecting me through this thorough process. My family and I are excited to join the UNC family and the Greeley community," Dunn said. "It's obvious to me there's great passion for this university and I look forward to working closely with university administration, faculty, staff, coaches, student-athletes and the City of Greeley and Weld County."

Dunn has served in a number of roles at Houston, Northern Illinois, Tulsa and New Mexico - managing and overseeing a host of areas including multimedia rights, advertising, sponsorship, TV/radio game broadcasts, fund raising, communication and marketing.

A four-year letterman in baseball at the University of Denver, he earned his bachelor's degree in political science and a minor in business administration in 1991. He also holds a master's degree with emphasis in sports administration from the University of New Mexico.

Dunn visited campus last week as a finalist for the nationally-advertised position and presented during an open forum with the community - who provided written feedback that factored into the hiring decision. Coaches, athletic department staff, student-athletes, and outside supporters previously provided input into a university-tailored leadership profile for the position. In addition, a search firm screened applicants.

Norton thanked the groups for their involvement. "I particularly want to thank the members of the athletic department and university staff who, by their steady management of daily activities, have allowed us to take the time necessary to find the right leader for UNC athletics," she said.

Dunn's first official day on the job will be the first week of January. For more about him, visit http://www.uhcougars.com/genrel/dunn_darren00.html.