Tom Moreland will be the 15th Athletic Director in the history of Toledo Athletics.
The University of Toledo Names Tom Moreland Vice President and Director of Athletics
4/23/2026 10:21:00 AM | Athletics
Moreland joins the Rockets after serving in posts at Illinois, Purdue and Iowa
TOLEDO, Ohio - The University of Toledo has announced the appointment of Tom Moreland as the Rockets' new Vice President and Director of Athletics. He succeeds Bryan B. Blair, who recently departed to lead the athletic department at Syracuse University.
The selection of Moreland, who will be the 15th athletic director in the history of Toledo Athletics, follows an extensive national search to find a leader capable of building upon the momentum established during Blair's successful term.
"Tom stands out as a visionary leader with a proven track record of resource development and fostering a culture of excellence in the quickly changing landscape of collegiate athletics," UToledo President James Holloway said. "His expertise in strategic planning, engagement and commitment to the holistic development of our student-athletes make him the ideal leader to guide Rocket Athletics into this next chapter. We are thrilled to welcome Tom and his family to the Toledo community."
Currently, Moreland serves as the Chief Commercial Officer at the University of Illinois. Among his responsibilities is overseeing all commercial aspects of Fighting Illini athletics, including training and education for a comprehensive NIL program, the I FUND, corporate sponsorship and merchandise, fan experience, marketing, and external engagement.
While in his current role the Fighting Illini have enjoyed record season ticket sales, realized 100% growth in the I FUND, and have been recognized as the leading revenue-generating men's basketball program in the Big Ten Conference. Moreland also led development of a women's sports sales and marketing strategy leading to a 230% increase in women's basketball season tickets.
"I am honored to be chosen by UToledo to lead this storied athletic department," Moreland said. "The Rockets have a reputation for competitive excellence and a passionate fan base. I look forward to working with our talented coaches, staff and the entire Toledo community to ensure our student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed in the classroom, in competition and in life."
Prior to his time at the University of Illinois, Moreland held leadership positions at Purdue University and the University of Iowa. His career has been marked by a dedicated focus on strategic engagement, fundraising and revenue generation to support the student-athlete experience.
Moreland earned a master's degree in intercollegiate athletic leadership from the University of Washington and a master's in business administration from Purdue University Global. He has two bachelor's degrees – sports management and journalism and mass communications – from the University of Iowa where he played baseball for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
A native of Milwaukee, Wis., Moreland and his wife Jen are parents to two sons, Hayes and Jones.
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The University looks forward to welcoming Tom and his family to campus in the coming days to introduce them to Rocket Nation.
Brian Lutz will continue to provide leadership as interim vice president and director of athletics until Moreland's start date is determined.
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The selection of Moreland, who will be the 15th athletic director in the history of Toledo Athletics, follows an extensive national search to find a leader capable of building upon the momentum established during Blair's successful term.
"Tom stands out as a visionary leader with a proven track record of resource development and fostering a culture of excellence in the quickly changing landscape of collegiate athletics," UToledo President James Holloway said. "His expertise in strategic planning, engagement and commitment to the holistic development of our student-athletes make him the ideal leader to guide Rocket Athletics into this next chapter. We are thrilled to welcome Tom and his family to the Toledo community."
Currently, Moreland serves as the Chief Commercial Officer at the University of Illinois. Among his responsibilities is overseeing all commercial aspects of Fighting Illini athletics, including training and education for a comprehensive NIL program, the I FUND, corporate sponsorship and merchandise, fan experience, marketing, and external engagement.
While in his current role the Fighting Illini have enjoyed record season ticket sales, realized 100% growth in the I FUND, and have been recognized as the leading revenue-generating men's basketball program in the Big Ten Conference. Moreland also led development of a women's sports sales and marketing strategy leading to a 230% increase in women's basketball season tickets.
"I am honored to be chosen by UToledo to lead this storied athletic department," Moreland said. "The Rockets have a reputation for competitive excellence and a passionate fan base. I look forward to working with our talented coaches, staff and the entire Toledo community to ensure our student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed in the classroom, in competition and in life."
Prior to his time at the University of Illinois, Moreland held leadership positions at Purdue University and the University of Iowa. His career has been marked by a dedicated focus on strategic engagement, fundraising and revenue generation to support the student-athlete experience.
Moreland earned a master's degree in intercollegiate athletic leadership from the University of Washington and a master's in business administration from Purdue University Global. He has two bachelor's degrees – sports management and journalism and mass communications – from the University of Iowa where he played baseball for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
A native of Milwaukee, Wis., Moreland and his wife Jen are parents to two sons, Hayes and Jones.
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The University looks forward to welcoming Tom and his family to campus in the coming days to introduce them to Rocket Nation.
Brian Lutz will continue to provide leadership as interim vice president and director of athletics until Moreland's start date is determined.
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