The NCAA News - News and Features

January 26, 1998

Petr promoted to director of research, replacing Walsh

Todd A. Petr has been appointed NCAA director of research, replacing Ursula R. Walsh, who recently retired after 12 years with the Association.

Petr has served as assistant director of research since joining the staff in 1987.

He has played a major role in the NCAA's compilation of graduation-rate data (he served as primary liaison to a special committee on the project) and has been heavily involved in the Association's initial-eligibility research, among other things. He also is liaison to the Walter Byers Scholarship Committee.

Petr is a native of Lincoln, Nebraska. He gained his undergraduate degree from Washington University (Missouri) and a master's degree from the University of Kansas.

Walsh retired December 31. In addition to overseeing Association research since 1985, Walsh served in several important ad hoc capacities, including the role as primary liaison to the NCAA Gender-Equity Task Force.