University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Asheville Extends Cone’s Contract
11.06.2025 | General
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville Board of Trustees and Chancellor van Noort have approved a contract extension for Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone through May 2027.
"I am pleased that Janet Cone has agreed to extend her contract, following the recommendation of our Board of Trustees," said Chancellor Kimberly van Noort. "Under her leadership, UNC Asheville's athletic program has flourished—our student-athletes continue to excel both in competition and the classroom. Her ongoing commitment is essential to the future success of our university."
Cone has led UNC Asheville's athletic department since 2004, making her the longest-serving athletic director in the Big South Conference. Cone's leadership throughout the years has helped UNC Asheville become a premier NCAA Division I program among mid-major universities. Last year, she guided the department through the challenges brought on by Helene's impact in Western North Carolina. Under her direction, all 16 athletic programs were successfully relocated, allowing student-athletes to continue training and competing while the university and the city of Asheville began their recovery.
She was appointed to the NCAA Division I Membership Committee, effective September 20, 2025, through August 31, 2027. Some of her past appointments include serving as President of the I-AAA Athletics Directors Association (ADA) for the 2023-24 season, serving on the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Executive Committee, and serving on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Cone developed and presented the Enhanced Educational Model for Division I Athletics in partnership with Tom Michael, President of the FCS ADA, the Pictor Group, and numerous other stakeholders. In this role, Janet Cone was invited to address the Knight Commission and has presented at many national meetings, conference office meetings, and meetings of stakeholders throughout the year.
In 2023, UNC Asheville developed and launched a five-year strategic plan with the Huron Group. Under the leadership of Athletics Director Cone, the Bulldogs completed nearly all the measurable goals within 18 months, including their first-ever top-three finish in the Big South Conference Sasser Cup standings. They did all this while earning a 992 Academic Progress Rate and a 3.23 Departmental GPA. UNC Asheville also received the Big South Conference's Inaugural Champions of Unity Award for its work in equity and belonging.
Over her 20 years at the helm of UNC Asheville, Cone has been a tireless leader and has undertaken multiple capital and construction projects. Most recently, she engaged a new funding stream, which led to a total reconstruction of the Karl Straus Outdoor Track, which had its grand opening in the Fall of 2023 and saw its first home track meet in 24 years in April 2024, and hosted the 2025 Big South Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships. In the spring of 2026, the Karl Straus Track will host the NAIA National Championships. In July 2024, Cone announced plans to build an outdoor tennis facility on campus as one of the subsequent phases of the ALL IN Comprehensive Campaign. Most recently, Cone oversaw the completion of the Jeff Fox hitting facility.
Earlier this year, Cone was named a NACDA Athletic Director of the Year, and among her other accolades are the 2019 NACDA Builder's Award and the 2013 Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year.
"I deeply appreciate the Board of Trustees for their ongoing support of Bulldog Athletics and my role in its mission," Cone said. "I am excited to build on our strong momentum alongside Chancellor van Noort, and with the dedication of our outstanding student-athletes, coaches, staff, and Bulldog Donors."
