Northern Kentucky University’s Athletics Director Christina Roybal, who has occupied the position since 2022, will step down at the end of May, according to a university announcement, to “pursue other opportunities.”
“Christina has achieved what she came to accomplish and will complete her service at NKU on May 30,” according to a statement from University President Cady Short-Thompson. “Please join me in congratulating her on her success and thanking her for her service to NKU as our AD.”
Roybal’s tenure saw the addition of six new programs — men’s volleyball, stunt, and men’s and women’s swimming and triathlon — as well as several notable hires of coaches and other athletic staff. She previously worked as an administrator at Fresno State and the University of Northern Iowa.
“The institution (NKU) as a public regional comprehensive institution is what really drew me into the position,” Roybal said shortly after taking on the role in 2022. “I know that for me personally that’s the type of student-athlete that I think is so special not just because their talents are amazing on the court or on the field, but they’re outstanding individuals who are doing great things in the classroom and even better things, brighter things, in our community.”
Specific information about what Roybal plans to do after she departs the university were not elicited in Short-Thompson’s announcement. The university has formed a committee to seek new candidates. The committee will be chaired by CFO Chris Calvert.
Get a more in-depth overview of Roybal’s career prior to joining NKU by reading the university’s profile of her.