NEWPORT NEWS, VA– Christopher Newport University President Paul Trible today announced Todd Brooks will become the University's new Director of Athletics. Brooks, who has led the Athletic Department at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, for the past 15 years, will begin his new duties at CNU on June 17^th.

“We are truly excited to have Todd lead our department of athletics as we join the Capital Athletic Conference,” Trible said. “His dedication to creating a complete experience for student-athletes is perfectly in tune with our mission of providing opportunities to grow in the classroom, in the community and in competition."

Brooks has overseen the transition at Berry from NAIA membership to Division III status. He also served on the steering committee which assisted in the design of a 32.5 million dollar athletic and recreation facility, which was completed and opened in 2008.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be joining Christopher Newport University,” Brooks said. “I want to thank the institution's administration, especially President Trible and Executive Vice President Bill Brauer, for their leadership and for entrusting me with the continuing charge of building one of the premier Division III athletic programs in the nation.”

A native of Anderson, Indiana, Brooks is a 1987 graduate of Milligan College in Milligan, Tennessee. He earned his Master of Arts in Education in 1990 from Tusculum College in Greenville, Tennessee.

Brooks began his coaching career at Tusculum as an assistant men's basketball coach, and also served as the school's Dean of Students from 1990 to 1993.

In 1993, Brooks became the Director of Athletics and men's basketball coach at Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia, leading the department and program there from 1993 to 1997.

Brooks began his tenure at Berry College in 1997 as men's basketball coach and Lecturer of Health and Physical Education. In 1998, he became Director of Athletics and continued coaching men's basketball. He became full-time Director of Athletics in 2002.

“I share Christopher Newport University's values and commitment to academic and athletic excellence and will serve CNU and the University's student-athletes and coaches with integrity and passion,” Brooks continued. “To be joining an institution of such academic and athletic distinction is a wonderful opportunity for me and my family.”

Brooks and his wife Laura have two sons, Austin Chase and Robert Elijah.