Dear Terrapin Nation,

Just a short while ago, the official announcement was made that I have accepted the role of athletic director at Southern Methodist University. While I relish the opportunity ahead, this decision was among the most difficult in my professional career.

I am fiercely proud of what we have accomplished in my 10 years here, particularly the last seven as the Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics. With your generous support and the support of an amazing athletic department staff, we have won 49 B1G conference championships and seven national championships. We have built amazing facilities for our student-athletes, including Jones-Hill House, performance centers for baseball and softball and a new track at Ludwig Field. We installed state-of-the-art videoboards at SECU Stadium and Xfinity Center, opened the stunning Maryland Club and this summer we will open a gleaming new home for Maryland Basketball, the Barry Gossett Basketball Performance Center.

Beyond these accomplishments, I am even more proud of the relationships I have built with many of you. The hardest part of my departure is saying goodbye to so many amazing Terps, alumni, fans and friends. On behalf of my wife Kerry and my entire family, I want to thank you for your support and your friendship.

I could not be more proud that President Pines has named Colleen Sorem as the interim athletic director. For years, she has been my trusted deputy, and a close friend. Simply put, she is one of the most skilled athletic administrators in the nation. Maryland is fortunate to have such a tremendous individual to continue our great work. Our department is in great hands.

I'd also like to thank President Pines for his incredible support of me and our athletic department. His leadership has helped transform our department in so many ways and it has been an honor to work alongside him on the critical issues and challenges currently transforming collegiate athletics.

Maryland will forever remain a treasured part of my professional and personal life. Although I will soon wear different school colors, a big part of me will always be a Terp.

Go Terps! Damon Evans