UB's next Director of Athletics: Allen Greene

Dear University Community:

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Allen Greene as the University at Buffalo's next Director of Athletics. I believe promoting Allen to this key leadership role is a clear choice for UB as we seek to build even further on the forward momentum of our athletics program.

This is a pivotal time as we make steady and significant progress in building a nationally competitive Division I program that is strongly committed to academic and athletic excellence. In considering our next steps forward, it has been clear to me that identifying a leader with proven experience, vision, integrity, and perspective is vital to guiding our athletics program on its continued upward trajectory. And as I have reflected and listened carefully to the input of key stakeholders both internally and externally, it has been equally clear to me that we have just such a leader already in our midst.

We are fortunate to have a leader of Allen’s caliber and experience, and one who brings such a comprehensive and well-honed understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges facing our UB program as we seek to launch it to the next level of excellence. Not only has he earned the respect and trust of our coaches, athletes, and local community, but he also has earned the esteem of athletic leaders across the MAC and on a national level, who uniformly point to his expertise and proven leadership as a talented administrator with significant range and depth of experience.

Allen is someone who knows intercollegiate athletics intimately and from every angle. In addition to the broad and deep knowledge he has gained through his key administrative leadership roles at some of the top Division I programs in the nation—the University of Notre Dame and the University of Mississippi—Allen also knows this world from an athlete’s perspective, having led on the field as a three-year starter on Notre Dame’s baseball team before being drafted by the New York Yankees.

Moreover, Allen knows our athletics program thoroughly, having played a critical role in elevating the profile and stature of UB’s athletics programs at a national level. As Deputy Director of Athletics since 2013, he has been instrumental in defining and implementing strategic initiatives as well as in overseeing the day-to-day operation of its 20 NCAA Division I men’s and women’s programs. He also was charged with oversight of UB’s football and men’s and women’s basketball programs, each of which has earned bids to major national post-season competitions during his tenure. He played a critical role in the historic successes our athletics programs have enjoyed in recent years, including three MAC championships in the past academic year, a national bowl appearance for our football team, and historic first trips to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and women’s National Invitational Tournament.

Allen has worked very closely with outgoing AD Danny White in developing the strategic plan that has guided all this progress, and he has led a number of key elements of this vision, including spearheading a comprehensive facilities master plan for UB athletics; leading major capital projects; and building key donor and corporate relationships. 

In short, Allen has been at the heart of the successful vision that has guided our athletic programs over the past three years. And with a clear vision for its continued path upward, he is ready to hit the ground running as our next athletic director.

I look forward to continuing to work with Allen as he undertakes this key leadership role. Please join me in congratulating Allen and his family, and in wishing him much continued success.

Go Bulls!