Corban University Announces the Retirement of Athletic Director Greg Eide

2/27/2018 3:47:00 PM

SALEM, Ore. – Corban University has announced the retirement of Athletic Director Greg Eide, who is leaving after five years of service to spend more time with his recently retired wife Debbie and their new grandchild.

"When Dr. Nord and I met five years ago, I made a five-year commitment to dedicate myself to help elevate Warrior Athletics to a new level of excellence and position the athletic program and the University for a new season of growth and opportunity," said Eide. "The end of March marks the end of those five years, and I believe it is mission accomplished."

Eide joined Corban University as Athletic Director in July 2013 and has since impacted the University on many levels. He strengthened Athletics staffing, creating several full-time head coaching positions, adding the senior athletic administrator role, and creating graduate assistant positions throughout the department. Under Eide's leadership, the overall number of student-athletes has risen from 200 to over 300, nearly 1/3 of the undergraduate population. During his time as Athletic Director, the Warriors received the CCC Presidents' Academic Excellence award for five consecutive years, won six CCC regular-season championships, totaled 27 NAIA All-American honorees, and garnered seven CoSIDA Academic All-American plaudits. In addition, Eide is a member of the NAIA's National Administrative Council (NAC), which helps shape policy at the highest level across the NAIA. Eide's strong leadership did not go unnoticed, and in 2016-17, he was named the CCC Athletic Director of the Year.

"From a competitive standpoint, we've never been stronger, and from an academic standpoint, our student-athletes are excelling in the classroom," said Eide. "Most importantly, we have a healthy culture in each of our programs that models a pursuit of excellence in a manner that honors the Lord and positively impacts those around us."  A strong proponent of the NAIA Champions of Character program, Eide implemented a Corban Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), made up of 26 student-athletes, which emphasizes outreach and community projects.

"As I look back over the last five years, I am grateful for the opportunity presented to me and humbled to see how God has used me. Corban is a special place, and the relationships I have developed with our athletes, coaches, parents, staff, administration, donors, and fellow CCC schools mean a great deal to me. I have been blessed. Thank you to everyone."

During the 2016-17 school year, Corban finished second overall in the CCC All-Sports Trophy race, marking the top finish in school history. Currently, Corban is ranked No. 19 overall in the NAIA Learfield Directors' Cup standings for national performance, also an all-time high for Corban.

"We're very grateful for Greg's contribution," said Dr. Sheldon Nord, President of Corban University. "He has played a significant role in our institution. Not only has he shaped Warrior Athletics at the leadership level, building and strengthening our athletic programs, but he's made a direct impact in our students' lives. We are incredibly thankful for his service and dedication these past five years."

Eide's departure comes as the University prepares for its next five-year vision for Warrior Athletics. He remarks, "With Warrior Athletics flourishing, we are at the beginning of another 3-5 year period to complete a Capital Campaign and construct new athletic facilities. As I considered those needs and weighed them with the next stage in my life, it became clear to me that my race at Corban was nearing completion and it was time for me to pass the baton." The vision for Warrior Athletics includes a track and field complex, complete with all-weather turf soccer, softball, and practice fields. Until now, track & field athletes have never had a facility on campus, and soccer and softball teams have had to relocate off-campus during the rainy season. The new facilities will benefit both athletes and the larger Corban community as they bring games, fans, and guests back on campus.

In the wake of Eide's departure, Corban will be evaluating a variety of management structures. In the interim, administrative oversight will be managed by Danny Day (Director of Athletic Communications) and Sue Roth (Senior Athletic Administrator).

What others have to say about Greg Eide:

Aaron Lewis - Corban University Head Men's Soccer Coach

"Greg's leadership has been instrumental in taking our athletic department to new heights. His support, vision, and attention to detail have been key components to our program's successes, and overall growth in numbers. I have valued his leadership style and friendship over the last five years immensely."

Kim McLain - Corban University Head Volleyball Coach

"Greg will truly be missed by all! Greg has been a leader with a clear vision, passion for the programs, coaches, students, and always went beyond the call of duty. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him."

Austin Johnson - Corban University Head Men's Basketball Coach

"Greg Eide has been a tremendous mentor and advocate for both Corban University and our athletic department. He cared deeply about our student-athletes and was instrumental in helping them achieve their goals both in and out of the athletic environment. I'll miss his friendship and wish him the best of success in whatever God has for him next."

Abigail Farler - Corban University Head Softball Coach

"This is a huge loss for Corban and the Warrior community. Greg has been an incredible leader for our athletic department. He did an amazing job mentoring the coaches and bringing out the best qualities in his staff. I have not seen a college athletic director as involved with athletes as he has been. He genuinely cares about everyone involved in athletics and invested so much time and energy into everyone. Greg and his leadership will be missed."

Rob Cashell – Cascade Collegiate Conference Commissioner

"It has been a pleasure working with Greg the last five years. He has not only elevated Corban Athletics, but has been a key contributor to the conference and at the national level. I will miss his leadership, but certainly wish Greg and Debbie well in the next chapter."

Anji Weissenfluh – Eastern Oregon University Director of Athletics

"I have been lucky to get to work with Greg in my role as the AD at EOU. It is rare that you find someone who is your competition, but at the same time wants you to succeed. He has always been the first to answer my questions and offer up advice when I ask him. I cherish the relationship we have built as colleagues, and as friends. He has brought Corban Athletics to new heights and the new AD has some big shoes to fill. I wish Greg the very best of luck in this next chapter of his life."

Corey Anderson – Northwest Christian University Athletic Director

"Greg has been a leader for Corban University since day one of his hire. He is not afraid to think big and outside of the box. Where he has moved Corban Athletics has been inspiring to all in the CCC. As a colleague of Greg's, I appreciate what he brings to the table, and his voice during our AD meetings. He is a pivotal member of our CCC leadership team. Bottom line, what Greg has achieved at Corban University in a short five years has been no less than incredible."

About Corban: Corban is a private university with an 80-year history of educating Christians to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Situated on a beautiful forested hillside overlooking Oregon's capital, Corban is only an hour from Portland, the Cascade Mountains, and the Oregon coast. Academic excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, as well as online, prepares students for careers as business leaders, educators, medical professionals, politicians, ministry leaders, and more. Expert faculty, a tight-knit community, and opportunities for local and global engagement provide for students' growth both in and beyond the classroom.