The University of Massachusetts athletic program underwent a period of transition this past summer, marked by a three-year contract extension for the current athletic director and the departure of Senior Associate Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn.

On July 25, Bjorn announced his decision to leave UMass after 15 years to take on the position of athletic director at the University of Rhode Island. This will make him the 11th Director for URI Athletics. Bjorn says that he intends to oversee the program, which includes 22 intercollegiate sports, and play an important role in budgeting, fundraising and marketing for athletics.

URI offered Bjorn a five-year contract that will pay him $165,000 annually. He began work with the athletic department immediately, but officially started as director in early August.

“The support I received from the athletic administration, Chancellor [John] Lombardi and the President’s office was very important during the URI selection process,” said Bjorn. “I will be forever grateful to all the people at UMass that helped me to achieve my professional goals.”

On leaving UMass, Bjorn says that the athletic department is still in good hands.

“Things at UMass athletics have never been better, and under the leadership of [current athletic director] John McCutcheon, the success is only going to continue,” he said. “It is my experience at UMass working with a fantastic staff and great coaches that has allowed me the opportunity to become an athletic director at an Atlantic 10 institution.”

Meanwhile, McCutcheon received a contract extension from Chancellor Lombardi, making him the sixth permanent athletic director at UMass. The contract, originally set to expire in February 2009, will now last until February 2012.

Since he was hired in 2004, McCutcheon has led the department’s efforts to improve facilities and increased attendance by more than 50 percent in every sport. Additionally, in the past three years, annual donations and corporate sponsorships have reached a record high.