University Athletic Association Honors Jerome

A lifetime of service to one of his alma maters earned Jerome a special honor when he was named Athletic Director of the Year for the North Star Athletic Association. He was also nominated for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ Athletic Director of the Year award. 

Jerome played football and basketball at Waldorf, a former junior college in Forest City, Iowa, graduating in 1970. He finished his bachelor’s degree in 1972 at Concordia, where he also played football.

“I am very surprised and extremely honored,” Jerome said after receiving the award. 

Jerome returned to Waldorf after graduating from Concordia and held positions in Admissions, Student Life and Athletics. He served Waldorf Athletics in administrative leadership for 36 years, most notably as director of athletics for three decades.

Along with serving as athletic director, Jerome compiled a 786-439 record during 42 years as the head women’s basketball coach. He was the first coach of the program, which was established in 1972. Jerome was named 2004 Midwest Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year and was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015. He also served for three decades as an assistant football coach for Waldorf, retiring from coaching after the 2013-14 academic year.

While at Concordia, Jerome earned All-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and All-Lutheran honors. A native of Celina, Ohio, he earned his master’s degree at the University of Northern Iowa and pursued further studies at Iowa State University.

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