On Sept. 14, an email from the president’s office announced Kyle Conder, the executive senior associate athletics director at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, as the new athletics director for the Roadrunners.
According to an email statement from the president’s office, “During his visit to our campus last week, it was clear that Mr. Conder possessed the qualities we value at CSUB. An energetic leader of integrity, he is a respectful listener, hard worker and consensus builder.”
Conder was chosen for the position by the Search Committee based on his communication skills, understanding of NCAA guidelines and procedures, attention to details, genuine commitment to student-athletes, and vision for CSUB Athletics, said Vice President for Student Affairs Thomas Wallace in a press release from CSUB Athletics.

According to the press release from CSUB Athletics, Conder carries over 20 years of experience in Division I intercollegiate athletics at numerous institutions, such as University of Southern California, Tulane University, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of Nevada, Reno. For 11 years, he served as a senior member of the athletics staff at SMU, presenting executive leadership for 17 sports and 484 student-athletes. He was also involved in athletic fundraising and capital facilities projects for the university, according to the email statement from the president’s office. Conder received a bachelor’s degree in history, magna cum laude, at UNR, and a Juris Doctor at UNLV.
In the press release from CSUB Athletics, Conder expressed his excitement to become a part of the leadership team at CSUB. He also discussed his plan to give student-athletes 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,” said Conder in the press release from CSUB Athletics.

Part of Conder’s vision is to increase community engagement.  

“It will take time, but I hope to build trust through sincerity,” said Conder during an open forum on Sept. 7. 

Conder said that he wants his first days as the athletic director to be a listening process. He would like to learn from current community members about what does and doesn’t work at CSUB.   

When asked about his thoughts on upgrading facilities, Conder said that lockers and facilities should be considered a home away from home for the athletes. He said that these upgrades would also help build recruiting attractiveness. 

Conder said that the college athletics transfer portal will bring more opportunities for CSUB athletics. 

“This is a place that can become, at least initially, a destination for transfers. We will switch that narrative, we’ll become a first-choice institution, but we’ll get the ball rolling through the transfer portal,” said Conder.

Conder is expected to begin his role on Oct. 1. A press conference for Conder will be hosted by CSUB Athletics on the morning of Oct. 7.