In what appeared to be a sudden move by Western Illinois University leadership Wednesday, WIU Intercollegiate Athletics Director (AD) Paul Bubb, who has served in the role since June 27, 2022, is out and Shelby Borchardt, associate athletic director for Internal Operations/Senior Woman Administrator, is in as the interim director of Intercollegiate Athletics at WIU.
Before being named AD, Bubb served as the executive director of development at WIU since February 2018. He had also previously served in various senior administrative positions in both athletics and advancement at institutions in California, Kentucky, Idaho, Maine, Iowa and Illinois.
“I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Paul Bubb for his leadership and positive impact during his time as director of Intercollegiate Athletics,” Mindrup said. “On behalf of the entire University, we thank him for his many contributions and wish him continued success in future endeavors.”
In early 2025 with the departure of former vice president Clare Thompson, who had overseen advancement, alumni and athletics, WIU’s Intercollegiate Athletics was moved under the Division of Student Success, which is led by Vice President Justin Schuch.
Borchardt first came to WIU in 2015 as a ticket operations manager and development assistant for the WIU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Throughout her time at WIU, she served in several positions within athletics, including, assistant director for ticketing, events and annual fund (2017-22); interim athletics business manager (2020-22); assistant athletic director for internal operations (2022-23) and assistant athletic director for internal operations/senior woman administrator (2023-25).
“Shelby’s progressive experience and collaborative leadership style position her well to lead Leatherneck Athletics during this time of transition and future planning,” Mindrup added. “Her commitment to the student athlete experience, along with her knowledge of Athletics operations and the broader conference and NCAA environment will be valuable as the department looks to the future.”
Borchardt received her bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA, and her Master of Science in Sport Management from WIU.
A search for a permanent director will be conducted in the future. The University will share additional information regarding the search timeline and process when it becomes available.
