IRVINE, CA --- With current Director of Athletics Tim Preuss resigning his post and assuming duties as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Concordia University announces David Bireline as the sixth Director of Athletics in school history.

Preuss has guided the Eagles' Athletics department beginning in the 2005-06 school year, and makes the move after four years at the post.

Bireline takes charge of a program that finished in the top-10 of the NAIA Learfield Sports Director's Cup in each of Preuss' previous three years and stands at second-place in the most recent 2008-09 scoring, announced earlier today.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to come and be part of Concordia's staff," Bireline said. "I'm thankful to [Executive Vice President] Gary McDaniel and I'm very grateful to be able to continue the work that Tim Preuss has been doing here over the past four years. This is a great staff of coaches, and I'm very much looking forward to working with them."

Bireline brings in nearly 30 years of combined experience in intercollegiate athletics, including an 11-year tenure as Director of Athletics at Taylor University (Ind.) from 1997-2008.

In addition to his role as Athletics Director, Bireline will serve as Assistant Professor in Concordia's Exercise Sports Science program. He was Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Human Performance over his time as Athletics Director, and continued in that role throughout the 2008-09 academic year.

"Concordia University athletics is in good hands," McDaniel said. "David Bireline has had an exceptional career, serving at Taylor University's Athletic Director for over 10 years. It became crystal clear during the interview process that Mr. Bireline is a solid Christian man who is determined to provide the necessary leadership for Concordia's athletic department as it provides the best possible environment to insure that the University's student-athletes have an exceptional experience."

Although Bireline has spent the past 19 years in the state of Indiana, at Taylor University and Indiana Wesleyan, he earned bachelor's and master's degrees at Seattle Pacific University and began his coaching and athletics administration career at his alma mater.

He earned his bachelor of arts in business administration in 1982 before completing his master's of education degree in athletic administration in 1987. Bireline has taught courses at the collegiate level since 1985 and holds membership in the National College Athlete Honor Society.

Bireline also is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, National Association of Basketball Coaches and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was a four-year letter-winner as an undergraduate at Seattle Pacific.

"Concordia University believes that the athletic experience provides a platform for the cultivation of wise minds, honorable hearts and a cultivated character," McDaniel said. "Mr. Bireline could not agree more. Great programs need and deserve great leadership, and we have found that in David Bireline."

"It is truly amazing to sit back and see how our Heavenly Father continues to bless this University."