CSUB names Kyle Conder Director of Athletics

Conder selected following nationwide search that fielded dozens of top-quality candidates

By California State University, Bakersfield

September 14^th, 2022

California State University, Bakersfield President Dr. Lynnette Zelezny and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Thomas Wallace have selected Kyle Conder as Director of Athletics for the Roadrunners.

Conder set himself apart during a nationwide search, which fielded dozens of top-quality candidates from around the country, and he has accepted the responsibility of becoming just the fourth Director of Athletics in CSUB’s history.

“The appointment of Kyle Conder as director of athletics launches an exciting new era for Division I Athletics at California State University, Bakersfield,” said President Zelezny. “Mr. Conder understands the critical importance of deep commitment to our scholar-athletes and the community we serve. Without our supporters and Roadrunner fans, CSUB’s scholar-athletes would not be able to achieve excellence in competition and the classroom. We look forward to extending Bakersfield’s warm hospitality to Mr. Conder and his family and invite the community to join us as we cheer on our Roadrunners.”

Pending finalization of the hiring process, Conder’s expected start date at CSUB will be Oct. 1. After his arrival, Bakersfield Athletics is planning to host an introductory press conference for the newest member of the `Runner family on the morning of Oct. 7.

“I am so honored and excited to join CSUB as the Director of Athletics,” Conder said. “From the time I met President Zelezny, Dr. Wallace and Thom Davis, I knew I wanted to join the leadership team here. CSUB Athletics has a terrific foundation of success and we will continue that momentum to be the best overall program in the Big West and beyond.”

With over 20 years of experience in Division I intercollegiate athletics at multiple institutions, Conder brings diverse perspective and insight to Bakersfield. He currently serves as the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas.

“The Search Committee identified three quality candidates to bring to campus to meet with community and campus stakeholders,” said Vice President Wallace. “Kyle Conder’s communication skills, knowledge of NCAA guidelines and procedures, attention to details, genuine commitment to student-athletes and vision for CSUB Athletics made him the obvious choice to serve as CSUB’s next Director of Athletics.”

As a senior member of the SMU Athletics staff, Conder’s role is to provide the university with executive leadership and counsel for 17 sports and 484 student-athletes. He is set to take over the helm at CSUB after 11 years of devoted service to the Mustangs.

“Together,” Conder continued, “we will provide Roadrunner student-athletes with a best-in-class experience. In alignment with the university’s vision and goals, we will continue to enhance CSUB Athletics as the Division I program that proudly represents Bakersfield, Kern County and the greater southern San Joaquin Valley.”

Conder’s professional experience prior to SMU featured terms at the University of Southern California, Tulane University, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Nevada, Reno.

A native of Nevada, Conder graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. He later earned a Juris Doctor from UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law.

Along with his wife and children, Conder said he is eager to relocate to Kern County in the coming weeks.

“As I shared with student-athletes, coaches, staff, faculty, and others, college athletics is my family business," he said. "Susan, Ellis, Ada, and I are excited to meet the Bakersfield community and make our home here.”