Galesburg, IL – A former Knox College athletic director is being promoted to a high profile position within the NCAA.

Dan Calandro, NCAA associate director for academic and membership affairs, was named the third athletic director in the college’s history in 2000 and remained in the post until October of 2006

Calandro, a 1977 Knox graduate, worked for the NCAA for 13 years before taking over as the athletic director at his alma mater.  He returned to the NCAA as an assistant director of membership services following his tenure as the A.D.

Dan Dutcher, vice president for NCAA Division III, announced that Calandro has been appointed as the new associate director of Division III governance, effective in mid-September.  “Dan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position,” Dutcher said.

Calandro has 20 years of administrative experience in the NCAA national office including four years in enforcement, nine years in championships, and seven years in academic and membership affairs.

Dutcher also cited Calandro’s experience as Knox College’s athletic director and his participation as a student-athlete at Knox.  Calandro played baseball for two years and was a four-year member of the Knox men's basketball team.

Dutcher added that Calandro has “a real passion for (NCAA) DIII.”

Calandro’s primary responsibilities in his new position will include oversight of Division III strategic initiatives - including the conference grant program - and serving as the primary liaison to the NCAA Division III Membership Committee, with other duties to be assigned.