University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Board of Trustees Approve Contract Extension for Athletics Director Janet R. Cone through 2026
12.28.2023 | General, Athletics News
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The University of North Carolina Asheville Board of Trustees has approved a contract extension for Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone through May 31, 2026.
In October 2022, the board announced the extension of Cone through 2025.
"I was thrilled that Janet Cone accepted an extension of her contract upon the recommendation by our Board of Trustees," said Chancellor Kimberly van Noort. "She has built an exemplary athletic program whose student-athletes excel both in the sporting venue and the classroom. Her continued work here is vital to the university."
Now in her 20th year, Cone is the longest-tenured athletic director in the Big South Conference.
"I am grateful to our Board of Trustees for their continued support of Bulldog Athletics and my leadership," stated Cone. "I also look forward to continuing our momentum under the leadership of Chancellor van Noort and with our exceptional student-athletes, coaches, and staff."
In 2023, Cone implemented the "Dream Bigger. Achieve More" strategic plan, the framework and roadmap for Bulldog Athletics for the next five years. Improving the outdoor sports complex has been one of Cone's main objectives, with the renovation of the Karl Straus Track reaching completion in the Fall of 2023. Projects are underway to renovate the Greenwood Soccer Field, as spectator seating was increased and improved before the 2023 season, as well as bringing the Bulldog Tennis Facility back on campus.
The most significant capital improvement for Bulldog facilities overseen by Cone is the opening of the Wilma M. Sherrill Center, which houses Kimmel Arena. To learn more about current capital projects, click HERE.
Cone's work to help improve the overall student-athlete experience spans beyond the playing field, as Cone has implemented more accessible opportunities for students to receive mental health and academic support.
Sports programs have also expanded under Cone's leadership, with the addition of Women's Swimming & Diving and Women's Golf as the 15th and 16th Bulldog teams.
Beyond her work at the University, Cone also helped create the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, which attracts national events to the local community. The recent Billie Jean King Open that featured the United States vs. Ukraine in women's tennis is just one example. She has served as a former chair of the Commission.
On a national level, Cone currently serves as President of the I-AAA Athletics Directors Association (ADA), is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Executive Committee, and is on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.
Cone was honored with the 2019 NACDA Builder's Award and the 2013 Under Armor Athletic Director of the Year.