The ISU athletic department issued a press release Thursday saying Athletic Director Bruce Van De Velde’s employment status would change from a contract employee to an “exempt Professional and Scientific” employee starting July 1, 2005.

Discussions between ISU President Gregory Geoffroy and Van De Velde about the athletic director’s contractual status began July 1.

Van De Velde has worked under contract since he began employment with Iowa State in November 2000.

“It was important for us to complete this discussion now so that Bruce can focus on preparations for the 2004-05 athletics season,” Geoffroy said in the release.

Geoffroy said the change in employment agreement will make it consistent with other senior administrators who report directly to him.

According to the press release, holding professional and scientific employment status means that Van De Velde serves “at the pleasure” of his supervisor and will be evaluated annually by Geoffroy.

“Bruce and I agreed to this change during our recent conversations about his contract,” Geoffroy said in the release.

Van De Velde said he was pleased to have the opportunity to continue serving as the ISU athletics director.

“I am extremely proud of our staff and the efforts they make on behalf of our student-athletes,” Van De Velde said in the release.

Under Van De Velde’s guidance, the athletic department has seen increases in football ticket sales (up 25 percent) and attendance (20-year high) and high student-athlete graduation percentages (89 percent, second in the Big 12) and has achieved full NCAA accreditation without conditions.

Van De Velde also negotiated a four-year $9.4 million multimedia marketing rights agreement with ESPN and Clear Channel for broadcasting ISU athletic events on television.

“Bruce has done an excellent job of leading the Athletics Department, particularly through the very serious budget challenges that the university and the department have faced,” Geoffroy said in the release.

“He has taken positive steps to increase revenue while also being mindful of the interests of our fans and the welfare of our student-athletes, and I have confidence in his continued leadership of our athletics program.”