Washington University men’s and women’s track and field teams experienced a shock before the school year began, one that will be felt twice in the University’s community.

On August 15, Director of Athletics John Schael announced that Paul Thornton, head coach for both men’s and women’s teams, had resigned from his position. Thornton’s wife Julie, director of student activities for the University, will join him in departing the campus.

Paul Thornton has left the University to become the assistant men’s track and field coach for the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis—a new role that he took on two weeks ago. Julie Thornton will also be heading for Minnesota soon to join her husband.

Julie Thornton has been with the University in her current position for four years. Her role involves working with student activity coordinators to advise both student organizations and individual students, and to support student-planned events and activities on campus.

As the head of the Office of Student Activities, Julie Thornton is also in charge of organizing leadership initiatives and summits for students.

“We help students to make connections—both student groups and individuals. We help them see how they can get involved,” she said.

Julie Thornton has spent 15 years working in higher education, the majority of which was in the field of student affairs. She says she hopes to find a job in Minneapolis where she can continue to play a role in students’ lives like she does here.

“All of my past positions have had to do with working with students,” she said. “It will be hard to replicate that kind of experience if I am not working on a college campus.”

The Thorntons are both Minnesota natives. Paul Thornton, a native of Northfield, began in St. Olaf College as a star athlete, making the all-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference three times. Before his time at the University, he was assistant coach for Illinois State University and then head coach for Saint Mary’s University for three seasons.

Despite her anticipation of new opportunities, Julie Thornton says that leaving her current position at the University will still be a difficult move.

“My husband and I have been a part of Washington University for five years now. This is a wonderful place. I love it here and all students as well,” Thornton said. “It will be hard to leave this place, and it will be hard to find a community of students like Washington University students.”

Paul Thornton leaves his own legacy of success behind, having earned the title of the Midwest Region Women’s Outdoor Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for 2008.

In five seasons with the Bears, Paul Thornton leaves a legacy of winning 14 University Athletic Association championships, as well as leading the women’s team to third-place at the NCAA Division III Indoor National Championships in 2008.

Paul Thornton served as the coach for Morgen Leonard-Fleckman, who went on to become the NCAA national champion for indoor pole vault in 2008. A total of 39 All-America citations have been given to Bears athletes under his coaching.

Julie Thornton, who is still employed at the University, says she currently has no definite plan for when she will be leaving for Minnesota.

“Perhaps sometime midyear,” she said. But as long as I am here, I will continue to support the staff and students. [This move] is not something I am rushing into.”