In May of 2001, the University of Maine at Presque Isle announced that Rich Ward had been named Director of Athletics, succeeding the retiring Jack Daniels. Ward assumed his new duties after a spending year as the director on an interim basis.

"I am honored to accept the position of Athletic Director at UMPI," said Ward. "To lead such an excellent athletic program and be a part of a recognized institution are the reasons I embrace this opportunity." Ward will continue to coach the UMPI men's basketball team as well.

Ward commended the work of his predecessors in guiding UMPI to the upper levels of the conference and paid tribute to the coaches that have established excellence in their respective programs.

Ward comes to UMPI from the University of Maine at Machias where he held a similar position since 1996. During his tenure at UMM Ward led an expansion that included the addition of several new sports and numerous post-season honors for its student-athletes.

Ward is active in NACDA and has attended the annual Leadership/Management Institute held each spring. He is also a member of the Sunrise Conference Executive Board. Ward received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming in Business Management in 1986 and a second Bachelor's in Education in 1988. Ward earned a Master's degree in Kinesiology while majoring in Athletic Administration from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

In addition to his administrative duties, Ward sits on several committees and teaches in the Health and Physical Education department.