After careful consideration and discussion, Theresa Hanson, Senior Director, Athletics and Recreation, and SFU have come to mutual agreement that the time is right for a change in direction within Athletics and Recreation. Theresa will depart from her role at SFU as of August 2, 2023.
 
Theresa led Athletics and Recreation for eight years with commendable integrity, professionalism and loyalty. Over her tenure she guided SFU's athletics and recreation programs through unprecedented growth with the primary focus of enhancing the student and student-athlete experience.  
 
Since 2015, Theresa has overseen numerous strategic initiatives including the addition of SFU's first stadium, exponential growth in fundraising and athletic endowments, updating the SFU Athletics and Recreation brand with a new visual identity, and the process to choose a new team name. For the first time in SFU's history, Theresa was instrumental in signing an exclusive uniform and apparel partnership with the world class Nike brand, building our brand as Canada's only NCAA team, and enhancing the student experience across our campuses.  
 
Beyond SFU, Theresa's exemplary leadership and vast collegiate experience has led her to being selected to the NCAA Division II Management Council, Division II Athletic Director's Association Board of Directors, NCAA Regional Advisory Committee for men's soccer and co-chair of the GNAC mental health task force.
 
As the only Canadian university to compete in the NCAA, Theresa has been a tireless advocate, promoting a unique opportunity for student-athletes to obtain an outstanding education at SFU while competing in the NCAA.
 
I wish to express my personal appreciation to Theresa for her many contributions and her commitment to SFU, and wish her well in her future endeavors. She will be missed.
 
Further detail on next steps and the interim leader for Athletics and Recreation will be shared as soon as possible.
 
Sincerely,
 
Rummana Khan Hemani
Vice Provost, Students and International