The Islanders’ basketball team qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the second time last season and won the Southland Conference title in seven sports – a school record.
Palumbo led the school’s athletic department for more than four years after coming from Virginia Commonwealth University in October 2018.
Palumbo said he is most proud of the culture that has been built in the four years he has led the program.
“I came here and really tried to build a tradition of excellence and raise the standard in all areas, from athletic success to academic success, which was already a strong foundation when I got here,” Palumbo said. “Community involvement, community service and supporting young men and women who are willing to go out into the community and make a positive impact.
“The success in the competition speaks for itself in terms of the number of championships. The relationships I have built will mean a lot to me as I move on. I’m overwhelmed by the great support and appreciation I received from the community today.”
Five Islanders teams qualified for the 2021-22 NCAA postseason, including volleyball and beach volleyball, women’s tennis and women’s cross country.
“Jon Palumbo’s incredible impact on Islander Athletics has spanned across campus and the community,” school President Kelly Miller said in a press release. “His commitment to the academic success of student-athletes and to creating a championship culture of excellence has forever changed our university for the better. I am very grateful for all he has done and wish him well in what I am sure will be an amazing career.