CANTON — St. Lawrence University is proud to announce that Franco Bari '98, M'10 has been appointed as the new Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, effective September 16, 2024. After an extensive national search, Bari emerged as the top candidate, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the Saints athletics community.

Bari has been a dedicated member of the St. Lawrence family for many years, most recently serving as the Associate Athletic Director for Operations and External Relations since August 2021. In this role, he expertly managed all aspects of the University's athletic facilities, overseeing everything from facility upgrades and maintenance to scheduling and supervision. In addition, he oversees the Student-Athlete Development Program, which is designed to enhance the holistic student-athlete experience by providing cross-campus support to assist with the development of student-athletes beyond sport. His work has been instrumental in ensuring that St. Lawrence's athletic programs have the resources and support they need to thrive.

"Throughout the search process, Franco impressed the committee with his deep passion for Saints athletics," said Florence Hines, vice president for enrollment management and dean of admissions and financial aid. "His career is marked by a commitment to innovation, collaboration across campus, and a steadfast dedication to the well-being of our student-athletes. These qualities make him an exceptional leader for our athletic department."

Bari's impressive career includes his previous role as Director of Athletics at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. During his tenure, he successfully guided the athletic department through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the institution resume its athletic programs and achieve a record number of Academic All-Conference honors for student-athletes.

Before his time at St. Scholastica, Bari served St. Lawrence as Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Game Management for seven years. He also led the university's women's soccer team as Head Coach from 2008 to 2017, achieving significant milestones, including guiding the team to the NCAA Tournament and cultivating a culture of sportsmanship and academic excellence.

Bari's connection to St. Lawrence runs deep, not only as an administrator and coach but also as an accomplished athlete. As a prominent four-year starter for the Saints men's soccer team, he earned numerous honors, including Conference Player of the Year and NSCAA All-America selection, while leading the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances.

"I am thrilled to step into this new role and continue to build on the rich tradition of excellence in Saints athletics," said Bari. "St. Lawrence has always been home to me, and I am excited to work alongside our dedicated coaches, staff, and student-athletes to elevate our programs to new heights."

Bari and his wife, Mare MacDougall Bari — who also plays a significant role at St. Lawrence as Associate Women's Hockey Coach — are integral members of the Canton community.