SAN JOSE, Calif. ----- San José State University President Mo Qayoumi appointed Marie T. Tuite as interim athletics director effective immediately, replacing Tom Bowen, who has resigned to become athletics director at the University of Memphis.

SJSU will launch a national search for Bowen's replacement this summer.

"Tom Bowen did a spectacular job building a team of student-athletes, coaches, staff and administrators who elevated our athletics program to a new level," President Qayoumi said. "We are in great shape, and look forward to the future success of Spartan Athletics."

Tuite joined SJSU in June 2010, and served as deputy director for internal operations and chief operating officer for Spartan Athletics. She has a long professional history at the Division I level with leadership positions at the University of California, the University of Washington, and the NCAA.

She holds a master's in athletic administration and a bachelor's in physical education, both from Central Michigan University. A member of the women's field hockey and basketball teams, she was the third female student-athlete inducted into Central Michigan University Hall of Fame.

"I'm excited and honored that President Qayoumi has asked me to serve as interim athletics director," Tuite said. "I love San José State University, and I strongly believe in the foundation we have created.  Tom Bowen did a remarkable job of developing and managing the framework that promotes San José State to be a successful NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision program.  My task, along with our coaches, staff, student-athletes and supporters is to continue the momentum established during Tom's tenure."

During Bowen's tenure, SJSU posted conference championship, post-season or nationally-ranked top-10 teams in nine of 16 sports; produced conference or regional coaches of the year in seven sports; dramatically improved its NCAA Academic Progress Rate scores; balanced the athletics department budget; increased giving to Spartan Foundation; and announced the addition of a 17th intercollegiate sport, women's track, in 2013.

"I am grateful and indebted to the student-athletes, coaches, athletics staff, Spartan Foundation members, faculty, community leaders and Spartan fans who made the last seven-and-one-half years a journey that I will always remember," Bowen said. "Former SJSU President Don Kassing gave me the opportunity to build a program as the athletics director. Phenomenal people embraced our culture of champions and joined me in challenges and initiatives that resulted in amazing changes at San José State. These changes and growth need to continue."

San José State - Silicon Valley's largest institution of higher learning with 30,000 students and 3,850 employees - is part of the California State University system. SJSU's 154-acre downtown campus anchors the nation's 10th largest city.