As one chapter closes a new one begins. Gene Smith wrapped up his farewell tour as athletic director at The Ohio State University on June 30. Smith was the overseer of OSU athletics ending a 19-year that began in March of 2005. On Monday, July 1, the Ross Bjork era officially began.
Bjork comes from Texas A&M where he served as the Aggies athletic director since 2019. The announcement was made in January and while Bjork has been fulfilling his duties in College Station, it’s without a doubt that he has been in the mix of things happening in Columbus.
Bjork posted on X (formerly Twitter) about what Buckeye Nation can expect from him as he takes over for Smith.
“As I get started on July 1, the only promises I will make will be based on three things: 1) I will work at my maximum effort every single day for you and our student-athletes. 2) I will carry myself with a positive attitude and humble confidence about who we are, what we stand for, and how we do it. 3) I will embrace and cherish our role in supporting our student-athletes while being a great steward of the treasured assets within Buckeye Athletics and Business Advancement.”
The journey begins officially at THE Ohio State University. Could not be more grateful, humbled & fired up to lead Buckeye Athletics & Business Advancement into a new era.
Let’s go Buckeyes👊🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/8iDdoe6bva— Ross Bjork (@RossBjorkAD) July 1, 2024
Known as a fundraiser, it will be a huge part of Bjork’s job to increase Ohio State’s name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities, and impact to stay competitive in this new college landscape. Gene Smith has done an excellent job of setting the table for the new A.D.
Bjork will be the ninth athletic director in Ohio State history and takes over the largest athletic budget in the nation.
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