Buning Named Chaminade Athletic Director

HONOLULU – Following an extensive nationwide search, Chaminade University has named Dr. Thomas Buning as its new athletic director. He will oversee the University's athletics program, which includes 10 NCAA men's and women's athletic teams and 140 student-athletes.
 
"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Buning to our ohana," said Dr. Lynn Babington, president of Chaminade University. "He steps into the role at a pivotal time for Chaminade Athletics and as the University continues to look for new ways to support our student-athletes. His initial focus will be to build a new strategic direction for athletics in concert with the University's priorities."
 
With more than two decades of experience in NCAA Division I and II athletics, Dr. Buning brings to the position a wealth of knowledge in sport program administration, student-athlete life and fundraising. He previously served as senior associate director of athletics at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, where he oversaw 150 staff and coaches and an annual budget of $55 million.
 
Dr. Buning also served as director of athletics at University of North Dakota from 2005 to '07 where he helped begin the Fighting Hawks' transition to a Division I program from the D-II ranks. Before his time at UND, he served as the Deputy Athletics Director and Chief of Staff at his alma mater, the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., where he helped secure sponsorships, oversaw the assistant athletic directors and was the liaison with the Academy Commandant for Cadet-Athlete affairs. Prior to joining Chaminade, he was a senior partner and managing director at a privately-held mergers and acquisitions brokerage services advisory firm in Dallas.
 
Added Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students Allison Jerome, "Dr. Buning's business acumen and strong managerial background make him uniquely positioned to focus on fundraising and long-term budget planning for the program.  What's more, his warmth and strong identification with Marianist values will serve him well as he works with our student-athletes."
 
"My gratitude for the dedication and perseverance of the search committee is beyond measureable," Dr. Buning said. "I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to earn their trust and confidence and to be selected to succeed Bill Villa as the next Director of Athletics for the Silverswords. I especially appreciate the leadership of Dr. Babington and Vice President Jerome who are responsible for making this opportunity a reality for me and my family."
 
Dr. Buning has his Doctor of Education in Leadership of Higher Education at SMU, where he also earned a Master of Business Administration. He also has a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology.
 
"While my professional goal and passion has been to return to the AD chair, Chaminade University, with its Marianist values, represents an extraordinary opportunity to passionately pursue my desire to give back and create a transformative experience for its amazing student-athletes," he said. "I look forward to joining the team of dedicated professionals – coaches and staff – who have helped inspire and drive the rise of Chaminade Athletics to help deliver on a promise of an exceptional student-athlete experience."
 
Dr. Buning is a graduate of Army West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and competed as a member of the Black Knights' swim team. He is a highly-decorated officer who served in several combat tours including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield.
 
Dr. Buning is Chaminade's 10th athletics director since the school became an intercollegiate program in 1976. He replaces Bill Villa, who retired in June after 12 years of service.
 
 
About Chaminade University
Chaminade University of Honolulu provides a collaborative and innovative learning environment that prepares graduate and undergraduate students for life, service and successful careers. Established in 1955, the university is guided by its Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational traditions, which include a commitment to serving the Native Hawaiian population. Chaminade offers an inclusive setting where students, faculty and staff collectively pursue a more just and peaceful society. For more information, visit www.chaminade.edu.