BRUNSWICK — Jeff Ward, Bowdoin College’s Ashmead White Director of Athletics, announced today that he is leaving the college to pursue the next chapter in his career.

Ward, who has led the Athletic Department for 14 years, will continue his work at the college throughout the summer to complete a number of ongoing projects and to help assist with the transition. Associate Director of Athletics Tim Ryan will serve as interim Athletics Director for the 2012-13 academic year as Bowdoin begins a search for Ward’s replacement.

“Jeff ’s commitment to Bowdoin athletics and our student athletes has been remarkable,” said Bowdoin President Barry Mills. “In addition to new programs and facilities, Jeff has built a talented and dedicated staff of coaches who serve as educators to our students both on and off the field. He has served as an invaluable mentor to young coaches, while also developing lasting relationships with countless student athletes, alumni and parents.”

“It has been such an honor to serve as Bowdoin’s Director of Athletics for these past 14 years,” said Ward. “I have enjoyed every moment of my job, but I have come to realize that it’s time for me to move on. I preach to students all the time the importance of aspiration and challenge in a life well lived. That’s as true for me as it is for them.”

The Polar Bears have enjoyed unprecedented success under Ward’s leadership. During his tenure, Bowdoin earned its first-ever NCAA Championship in 2007 by winning the Division III Field Hockey title. Bowdoin also won the field hockey crown in 2008 and 2010 and has seen four other programs reach “Final Fours” — women’s basketball, women’s ice hockey, men’s soccer and women’s lacrosse.

Off the field, Bowdoin has seen several state-of-the-art facilities take life under Ward’s direction: The Sidney J. Watson Arena, the Peter Buck Center for Health and Fitness, the Howard E. Ryan Artificial Turf Field, the Lubin Family Squash Courts and the Joan Benoit Samuelson Track.

Additionally, Ward has stewarded department-wide programs, like Captain’s Training and Girls and Women in Sports Day, and partnered with others at Bowdoin to develop highly effective programs addressing issues like sexual violence and homophobia

“Every fan of the Polar Bears knows Jeff as our most enthusiastic cheerleader,” said Mills. “He is a constant and passionate presence at contests both here and on the road, and he has built genuine pride in our athletic programs, services and facilities. Bowdoin coaches and students are honored to represent the college and they all expect to be successful. That confidence and expectation for achievement speak for themselves, and they are a testament to Jeff ’s leadership, his optimism and his pursuit of excellence.”

“I am very proud of Bowdoin Athletics,” commented Ward.

“We are the best of college sports, a place where the experience of playing compliments and supports the education in the classroom. This past year, the Polar Bears likely enjoyed their most successful year in the arena. It is very gratifying for me to report that it was also likely our most successful in the classroom.

“Representing Bowdoin is important and meaningful for our students, but our contests are not the defining experiences of their lives, just part of the preparation.”