Caltech Appoints New Director of Athletics, Recreation, and Instruction

Terrance "Terry" Tumey has joined the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as the new director of Athletics, Recreation, and Instruction (ARI), bringing with him a wealth of experience in collegiate and professional athletics. Tumey's appointment follows a transition period led by interim director Heather Morgan-Strasser, who provided steady leadership since spring 2025. As the new director, Tumey will oversee all aspects of athletics, recreation, and physical education, with a focus on promoting wellness, integrity, and community.

Key Takeaways:

• Tumey has over two decades of leadership experience in collegiate and professional athletics, including stints as Director of Athletics at Fresno State, University of California, Davis, Dominican University of California, and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.
• Tumey earned his BA in political science from UCLA, where he played and later coached football, and also holds an MBA from UCLA's Anderson School of Management.
• Tumey's leadership philosophy emphasizes communication, inclusion, and student well-being, with a focus on creating opportunities for students to engage, lead, and thrive through recreation and sport.
• Tumey will work closely with his team at ARI to serve the Caltech community and explore new opportunities in competitive athletics, recreation, and health and wellness.
• Tumey has a student-centered approach, shaped by his experience working with NCAA Division I, II, and III level schools, and the National Football League (NFL).

Statistics:

• Tumey has over 20 years of experience in collegiate and professional athletics.
• Tumey has held positions as Director of Athletics at multiple institutions, including Fresno State, University of California, Davis, Dominican University of California, and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.
• Tumey holds a BA in political science and an MBA from UCLA.
• Caltech's ARI oversees all aspects of athletics, recreation, and physical education.

Sources:

• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• UCLA
• National Football League (NFL)
• NCAA Division I, II, and III
• Fresno State
• University of California, Davis
• Dominican University of California
• Claremont-Mudd-Scripps