FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (March 2, 2026) – Northern Arizona University has engaged The PICTOR Group, a nationally respected athletics leadership and strategy firm, to provide interim leadership support for Lumberjack Athletics. As part of this engagement,
Tanya Vogel will be returning to NAU to lead the department. She begins her work today, March 2, and will be providing day-to-day executive leadership for the department during this transition.
Vogel is a nationally respected athletics leader and former Director of Athletics at George Washington University. Most recently, she served as Interim Chief Operating Officer for Athletics at UC San Diego, supporting the department's transition to full Division I membership while leading through the departure of their athletics director and the onboarding of new leadership. She brings deep experience guiding Division I programs through periods of change, as well as strong familiarity with NAU and genuine affinity for the Lumberjack community, where she served as Senior Associate Athletics Director from 2012-15.
"NAU Athletics has built strong momentum in recent years, and it was important to engage experienced national leadership to help sustain that trajectory while positioning us for the future," said President José Luis Cruz Rivera. "The PICTOR Group and
Tanya Vogel bring deep expertise in Division I athletics, leadership transitions, and strategic positioning. We are confident in the steady and forward-looking support they will provide during this important period."
As the interim leader, Vogel will work closely with university leadership, coaches, and staff to tackle the following priorities:
- Sustain competitive and academic momentum throughout the department
- Support student-athlete success and staff effectiveness
- Strengthen engagement with donors and partners
- Ensure financial sustainability amidst a changing landscape for intercollegiate athletics and higher education
- Assess strategic positioning for NAU Athletics in relation to evolving NCAA regulatory frameworks
- Help prepare for a national search for NAU's new Athletics Director
"NAU Athletics has a strong foundation and tremendous potential," Vogel said. "I have incredible memories of my time in Flagstaff and am honored to have the opportunity to serve the university at this important moment. I look forward to working alongside the Lumberjack community to build on current momentum and help position the department for continued success."
NAU also confirmed that it will be opting in to the House settlement beginning with the 2026-27 sports seasons.
"Our decision to opt in to the House settlement reflects our confidence in the future of Lumberjack Athletics and our commitment to compete in today's evolving Division I landscape," Cruz Rivera said. "We will implement this new framework through an NAU-specific approach grounded in long-term sustainability and student-athlete success, and we are excited to work alongside our fans, alumni, and partners to continue elevating Lumberjack Athletics together."
Additional information regarding the national search for NAU's next permanent Athletics Director will be shared in the coming months.
Media Contact:
Stayson Isobe
Associate Athletic Director for Communications & Brand Strategy
Stayson.Isobe@nau.edu
