Colorado Mesa University has appointed Rob Courtney as its new athletic director. The university announced the hiring on October 22, 2025, and will host a community reception to welcome Courtney on November 7 before the Mavericks volleyball match at Brownson Arena.
Courtney previously held key roles at Colorado Mesa University (CMU) before leaving to gain further experience in athletic leadership at the University of Colorado. He stated that this external experience helped prepare him for his return to CMU.
“My wife, Kelli, and I knew we were once again home as we landed in Grand Junction to begin meeting with former colleagues, community leaders, and student-athletes and coaches during my interview,” said Courtney. “I am honored by the confidence that coaches, student-athletes and President Marshall have in me to serve as the next Athletic Director at my alma mater. CMU has a proud tradition of success on and off the field, and I look forward to working alongside our coaches, staff, student-athletes, and university community to continue building on that foundation. I cannot wait to get started.”
CMU President John Marshall expressed support for Courtney’s appointment: “Rob Courtney exemplifies our university’s values of humility and courage and exemplifies our culture — qualities that win championships,” said Marshall. “We are excited about Rob’s return and know he is the right person to advance CMU’s mission through the Division II student-athlete model that we believe in.”
The search process was led by interim athletic director Robin Brown with input from various campus stakeholders who sought a leader with vision for CMU Athletics’ future.
Courtney’s familiarity with CMU programs was noted by coaches who praised his commitment to supporting student athletes. The hiring aligns with the university’s focus on its student-first approach within athletics.
Courtney will be available for media interviews at 10 am on November 7 ahead of the welcome event.
Colorado Mesa University is a public institution located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers over 200 academic programs to more than 11,000 students. Its athletic teams compete in NCAA Division II as part of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, focusing on academic achievement, community involvement, and competitive performance. More information can be found at https://www.coloradomesa.edu/.
