Katie Tarr | New Athletics Director and Chair of Physical Education & Wellness

The message below was sent to faculty, staff, and students on April 9, 2026.

Dear Bryn Mawr community: 

I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Katie Tarr as Bryn Mawr College's Director of Athletics and Chair of Physical Education & Wellness, effective April 1. 

Since stepping into the Interim Director role in July 2025, Katie has demonstrated a transformative vision for our athletic department—one that centers on a "championship mindset" while remaining deeply rooted in the College's mission of academic excellence and student empowerment. Her appointment marks a significant milestone as we continue to elevate the student-athlete experience and expand our institutional footprint in the Division III landscape. 

Katie is a familiar and highly respected leader on our campus, having served the Bryn Mawr community since August 2003. Prior to her interim leadership, she served as Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator (2016–2025), where she managed a $3 million budget and executed vital infrastructure projects, including the $2.95 million renovation of Shillingford Field and the expansion of our athletic training facilities. 

Her deep commitment to our students is also evidenced by her storied coaching career. As our former Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, Katie became the all-time program leader in career wins, and during her tenure as Head Women's Basketball Coach, she led the team to its most successful season in a decade. 

A graduate of Swarthmore College and a member of the Garnet Athletics Hall of Fame, Katie brings the unique perspective of a premier student-athlete to this role. She holds a Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout her career, Katie has been a tireless advocate for women in sports through her work with the NCAA and Women Leaders in Sports. 

Thank you to Dean of Student Success Richie Gebauer for chairing the search committee, and to the committee members for their service: Anita Kurimay, Associate Professor and Chair of History, Nichole Reynolds, Interim Vice President for Enrollment, Aubre Naughton, Director of Family Engagement and Giving, Cristen Kennedy, Wellness Program Director, Courtney Morris, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach and Fitness Center Director, Lauren Gusikoff, Athletics Communications Director, and Katie Ely, Rowing Head Coach.   

Please join me in congratulating Katie Tarr. 

Sincerely, 

Tomiko Jenkins
Interim Dean of the Undergraduate College