Kelly Mahlum, former St. Olaf Women’s Basketball Coach, has been named St. Olaf’s newest Athletic Director. For the last year, Mahlum has been serving as the Interim Athletic Director following the passing of Ryan Bowles. She has also worked as St. Olaf’s Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator since 2023.
Mahlum’s long list of accomplishments and commitment to the athletic program has led her to become the to take on this role. This position oversees 24 different sports teams and over 600 student athletes. According to an email sent by President Susan Rundell Singer sharing the exciting news to campus, Mahlum hopes to continue to build upon the strong foundation that was cultivated by Ryan Bowles and strengthen the sense of Ole Pride for athletics.
Within her service at St. Olaf, she has remained committed to producing a safe space for student athletes through the oversight of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This commitment is also reflected in her work with Title IX and gender equity components within the athletics department. After involving student athletes and coaches in the search for someone to fill the Athletic Director position, Kelly Mahlum has officially assumed the role. Being an active member of the St. Olaf community, Mahlum will continue to build the culture of St. Olaf athletics.
