SALEM, Ore. – Corban University athletic director Sue Roth has announced that she intends to retire this summer, stepping down from her role after six years of service in athletics, 15 years of service to Corban University as a whole, and two years at the helm of the Navy and Gold's athletic department.

Roth—who has been an instrumental figure on Corban's campus for the better part of the past two decades—has expressed excitement to spend more time with her growing family and her grandchildren.

"What an honor to serve as the director of athletics these past two years," Roth said. "Although they were challenging years as we managed COVID, I think we grew stronger, braver and readier to move forward into a bright future. It has been my joy to see our student-athletes grow in their faith and excel in the classroom and their sport. I could not have asked to work with a more capable and wonderful team in athletics. I have full confidence in the amazing team of coaches and staff; and I believe that they will carry the vision of significance, discipleship and excellence with them as they continue their good work. It has also have been my privilege to work with the President's Cabinet, Faculty, Admissions, Student Life, Registrar's office and all the other departments on this campus throughout my years here. God is faithful and good, and He has certainly been that to me as I've been a part of this dear Corban community."  

Roth's leadership was invaluable as the department navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and she also oversaw the construction of the outdoor athletic complex on campus, the largest athletic capital campaign in the school's history.

Her gifting of encouragement, collaboration, and God-honoring vision-casting was consistently lauded by her peers.

"Jamie and I are so sorry to hear of the departure of Sue Roth as Corban's director of athletics," said Corban President Dr. Sheldon Nord. "She has been an amazing colleague with faculty, staff and administrators, a partner with coaches, trainers and parents, and a champion for student-athletes. She is strong, compassionate and collaborative, and always a team player. She will be missed, and we send her off to retirement with our blessings and prayers." 

Here are just a few of the comments others had to offer about Roth:

"I want to wish Sue Roth well in her retirement and offer a sincere thank you," stated CCC commissioner Robert Cashell. "Sue took over the helm of Warrior Athletics just prior to the very turbulent time we all faced with COVID-19. Sue was a valued member of the Council of Athletic Directors who was held in high esteem by her colleagues."

"Sue has really had an amazing impact on me as a coach," said head men's wrestling coach Keegan Davis. "She steered us through COVID better than anyone else could, and always reminded us of the bigger picture, pointing us back to our faith in Jesus. Sue led the athletic department with love, grace, and kindness, all while pushing us to be better coaches and people."

"I will always be appreciative of Sue taking a chance on hiring me," said head cross country and track & field coach Todd Bos. "Sue has been a great boss. She is humble, encouraging, supportive, wise, and collaborative. Corban Athletics will miss her a lot."

"Sue is the definition of a servant-leader and a prayer warrior," said head men's basketball coach Taylor Kelly. "She has led us through some incredibly difficult times and has been a model of consistency and faith in the middle of the storm. I am forever grateful for the impact she has made on me and her belief in me to lead the Corban men's basketball program. She will be missed dearly, but her impact on Corban and the athletic department will continue!"

"Sue has led our athletic department through a challenging two years of COVID anxieties, and she has done so with such grace and poise," said head men's and women's golf coach Charlie Marshall. "I have always appreciated her leadership and her listening ear of compassion and understanding."

"I appreciate Sue's hard work, dedication, godly vision, and most of all, her heart to direct the coaches to coach with a passion for Jesus," said head volleyball coach Kim McLain. "Sue has touched the hearts of so many on campus, and she will be greatly missed by the coaches and student-athletes."

"Sue is one of those people that when I started working at Corban, she embodied everything great about the Corban community," said head women's basketball coach Bill Pilgeram. "She has served Corban's mission with a true heart for our students in every role she has filled here! We will miss her presence dearly."

"What a privilege it has been to work under the leadership of Sue here within the athletic department," said associate athletic director Jarett Thoren. "Over these past two years in particular, I could not have imagined a more capable leader during a more trying season of challenges. She is a special person with a special heart for those around her, and I have been so incredibly blessed to learn from her and work alongside her."

In the wake of Roth's departure, Corban will begin a national search for the next leader of the department.