Brandeis' Athletic Director Jeff Cohen resigned unexpectedly from his position Monday, according to University officials. His resignation becomes effective Saturday. Cohen, who had been the Athletic Director since 1986, will be replaced by Sheryl Sousa, the current women's volleyball coach, on an interim basis.

The reasons for Cohen's resignation remain unclear. Cohen refused to comment on his decision saying that there are "several details which I cannot discuss at this time." Adam Levin, sports information director, was also unable to comment as was Sousa. While there have been no significant changes in athletic department operations in recent years, there was an administrative change this year which affected the department.

"Things have gone pretty much the same for the last 10 years in terms of department-wide changes," fencing coach Bill Shipman said.

David Ghould, who had been the Supervisor of Athletics, retired last year, causing Senior Vice President of Students and Enrollment Jean Eddy to add Supervisor of Athletics to her list of duties.

Eddy was not available for comment on the matter, but Shipman speculated that the reason for Cohen's resignation has more to do with "changes above than below," but went on to say that "nobody has told us about it other than that it happened." He did acknowledge that it's unusual for an administrator to resign in the middle of the year."

Cohen had a strong record as athletic director. He ushered Brandeis into the UAA in 1987 after years of competing in small regional leagues, which included fewer sports. He also helped transform athletic facilities at Brandeis.

For many years, what is now the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center was nothing more than the Shapiro Gym. The $25 million building was built in 1991 and has hosted three NCAA championships and will soon host a fourth this year.

Cohen received the Brandeis Community Service Award in 1995 and was voted ECAC Administrator of the Year in 2000 for his service as president of that organization.A nationwide search will be conducted to find Cohen's replacement.