Janet Eaton-Smith is embracing an exciting new chapter as she transitions from Vice President of Athletics at Lourdes University to become the Director of Athletics at Ottawa University in Kansas.
 
"Janet's contributions to the Lourdes University Athletics program during her 5 ½ year tenure are immeasurable," Lourdes University President William J. Bisset, Ph.D., said. "Lourdes owes Janet a great deal of gratitude for the growth in student-athlete enrollment the University experienced under her, as well as the national attention our programs currently receive due to her initiatives. The entire Lourdes community shares in Janet's excitement and wishes her continued success as she embarks on this new professional venture leading the Athletics Department at Ottawa University.
 
Eaton-Smith was named the school's first full-time Athletics Director in July 2018 and was promoted to Vice President of Athletics in the summer of 2021.
 
"I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have had to lead the Lourdes athletics department," Eaton-Smith said.  "I will miss everyone associated with the Lourdes community. I hope I was able to move the needle forward with making an impact on Gray Wolf Nation. My six years at Lourdes have been instrumental in allowing me to grow as a leader."
 
Eaton-Smith was named the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Terry Bocian Athletics Director of the Year for the 2020-2021 season after guiding the Gray Wolves through the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape. She went on to be recognized on the national stage following the 2022-2023 academic year, being named the Nike NAIA Executive of the Year by Women's Leaders in College Sports. 
 
While at Lourdes, Eaton-Smith has been at the forefront of expanding the athletics department. Under her leadership, the Gray Wolves were named a NAIA Gold Five-Star Institution each of her five years.
 
Eaton-Smith was responsible for the three new sports: men's and women's tennis as well as women's wrestling, along with resurrecting the track and competitive dance programs. She was also responsible for establishing a student-athlete banquet at the conclusion of the academic year, highlighting each of the various teams. She formed the "Wall of Fame", a compilation of the NAIA All-Americans that have been produced throughout Lourdes athletics history, and in 2023, she was instrumental in the formation of the Athletics Hall of Fame.
 
While at Lourdes, Eaton-Smith was a member of the NAIA RISE (Respect, Inclusivity, Support, Education) program, providing an avenue for NAIA membership to participate in training and programming aimed at influencing positive change in the association where all people are valued and provided equal opportunity in all aspects of life. She is also a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).
 
Eaton-Smith was selected to serve a three-year term as a member of the NAIA National Administrative Council (NAC) in an at large position beginning in the 2021-2022 academic year. She was also a member of NAC Champions Competition subcommittee.