“Kyle Conder’s appointment as Director of Athletics kicks off an exciting new era for Division I athletics at California State University, Bakersfield,” President Zelezny said. “Mr. Conder understands the critical importance of a deep commitment to our varsity athletes and the community we serve. Without our supporters and Roadrunner fans, CSUB varsity athletes would not be able to achieve excellence. in competition and in the classroom.We look forward to extending the warm hospitality of Bakersfield to Mr. Conder and his family and to inviting the community to join us in cheering on our Roadrunners.
Pending the finalization of the hiring process, Conder’s expected start date at CSUB will be October 1. Following his arrival, Bakersfield Athletics plans to hold an introductory press conference for the new member of the `Runner family on the morning of October 7.
“I am so honored and excited to join CSUB as Director of Athletics,” Conder said. “From the moment I met President Zelezny, Dr. Wallace and Thom Davis, I knew I wanted to join the leadership team here. CSUB Athletics has a tremendous foundation of success and we will build on that momentum to to be the best overall program in the Big West and beyond.”
With more than 20 years of experience in Division I intercollegiate athletics at multiple institutions, Conder brings a diverse perspective and insight to Bakersfield. He currently serves as Senior Associate Executive Director of Athletics at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas.
“The search committee has identified three quality candidates to bring to campus to meet with community and campus stakeholders,” Vice President Wallace said. “Kyle Conder’s communication skills, knowledge of NCAA guidelines and procedures, attention to detail, genuine commitment to student-athletes, and vision for CSUB Athletics made him the obvious choice to become the next CSUB athletic director.”
As a senior staff member at SMU Athletics, Conder’s role is to provide the university with executive leadership and guidance for 17 sports and 484 student-athletes. He is set to take charge of the CSUB after 11 years of loyal service to the Mustangs.
“Together,” continued Conder, “we will provide Roadrunner student-athletes with a premier experience. In keeping with the vision and goals of the university, we will continue to improve CSUB Athletics as a Division I program that represents proudly Bakersfield, Kern County, and the far south of the San Joaquin Valley.”
Conder’s professional experience before SMU included tenures at the University of Southern California, Tulane University, University of Nevada at Las Vegas, and University of Nevada at Reno.
A Nevada native, Conder graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. He later earned a Juris Doctor from the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV.
Along with his wife and children, Conder said he looks forward to moving to Kern County in the coming weeks: “As I have shared with student-athletes, coaches, staff, faculty and others, varsity athletics is my family affair. Susan, Ellis, Ada and I are thrilled to meet the Bakersfield community and make our home here.”
