Courtesy of Bucknell Athletics Communications

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Bucknell University today announced the appointment of Tim Pavlechko '91, M'93 as the Vice President for Athletics & Recreation, effective immediately. Pavlechko, a former student-athlete, coach and veteran administrator with more than 27 years of service at the University, has served as the Interim Vice President since March 14, 2025. 

"Tim Pavlechko is, quite simply, a Bison through and through," said Bucknell University President John Bravman. "His institutional knowledge, his deep roots in the Patriot League, and his proven administrative success at every level—from campus operations to the EIWA and national NCAA championship governance—make him the ideal leader for the department. Tim has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the holistic development of our student-athletes and a clear vision for competitive excellence in our Division I athletics program."

In this role, Pavlechko will oversee Bucknell's 27 NCAA Division I varsity sports, the comprehensive recreation and intramural programs, and the strategic direction and management of the department in alignment with the university's mission and core values.  

Prior to his interim role, he previously served as Bucknell's Deputy Director of Athletics and Recreation, with oversight of internal operations, budgeting and financial services, strategic advancement, facility construction and the administrative supervision of key sports, including men's basketball, football, wrestling, baseball, men's lacrosse and men's and women's track & field/cross country programs. He also served as chair of the NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Committee and chairman of the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA).

"I am deeply honored to lead the department that has been my professional home for so many years," Pavlechko said. "Thank you to President Bravman and the Board of Trustees for their confidence in me and their support of Bison Athletics. As a product of Bucknell's remarkable scholar-athlete model, I am fully committed to maintaining that as our guiding principle. We will compete for championships with integrity, prioritize academic excellence, and work to ensure our young men and women leave Bucknell prepared to lead. I look forward to partnering with the entire Bucknell community to build upon our distinctive scholar-athlete tradition."

Before returning to Bucknell, Pavlechko spent five years working in athletics administration at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and several years at the NCAA national headquarters as an assistant director of championships. During his tenure at the NCAA, he was responsible for the administration of multiple national championships, including Division I men's lacrosse and wrestling, and served on USA Wrestling's Board of Directors.

A native of Boalsburg, Pa., Pavlechko was a member of the Bison football team and earned both his bachelor of science degree in business administration ('91) and his master of science degree in business administration ('93) from Bucknell.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

This is tremendous news! Tim Pavlechko is an outstanding choice to lead Bucknell Athletics into this new era of intercollegiate athletics. Having worked closely with Tim for many years during my time in Lewisburg, I saw firsthand his deep understanding of the University, his operational expertise, and his unwavering commitment to the scholar-athlete ideal. Tim is a well-respected, proven leader who has been instrumental to Bucknell's success. The Bison are in great hands, and I offer my sincerest congratulations to Pav and the entire Bucknell community.

John P. Hardt
Vice President & Director of Athletics, University of Richmond

I am thrilled with the appointment of Tim Pavlechko as Director of Athletics at Bucknell.  Tim has a long history of dedicated service to Bucknell and the Patriot League, and is deeply respected across our campuses.  His institutional knowledge and genuine commitment to the student-athlete make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the Bison.  I look forward to working with him as he continues to advance Bucknell's tradition of excellence.

Jennifer Heppel
Commissioner, The Patriot League

I couldn't be happier for Tim and for Bucknell. As a former teammate, I've always known Tim to be a dedicated worker and a true selfless leader. More recently, as a parent of two children who played sports at Bucknell while he was the Deputy AD, I saw his commitment to the student-athlete experience from a different, very personal perspective. He combines the strategic vision needed to build a championship program and genuinely cares about the development of young men and women. Bucknell has secured the right person to lead its athletics program into the future.

Greg Schiano '88 P'20 P'25
Head Football Coach, Rutgers University

Pav's appointment as Athletic Director is outstanding news for Bucknell. Throughout my time at the university—both as a player and later as an assistant coach—his genuine care for student-athletes and coaches consistently stood out. For 25 years, he has been the steady, behind-the-scenes force driving the success of Bucknell Basketball, helping shape it into the respected program it is today. Pav truly understands the delicate balance of the scholar-athlete experience better than anyone I know. There is no one more qualified, more prepared, or more deserving to lead the Bison into the future.

Charles Lee '06
Head Coach, NBA Charlotte Hornets