Former University of Massachusetts Dartmouth athletic director Robert A. Dowd was named the Little East Conference Interim Commissioner on March 11, 2013. In his second tour with the conference office, Dowd served as the Little East Commissioner between 1990 and 1995.
Dowd replaced Jonathan C. Harper, who recently was named the Assistant Commissioner of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC), a Division II intercollegiate conference based in New Haven, Conn.
Dowd is the sixth administrator to lead the Little East Conference in its 27-year history, and first to hold the distinction of commissioner twice. He succeeded Dr. Richard A. Costello in 1990 as the conference's second commissioner, holding the office until 1995. During his tenure, Dowd was instrumental in the Little East expansion to seven member institutions with the addition of Western Connecticut State University in 1993. He also oversaw the operation of the conference's six championship sports with the inclusion of women's soccer in 1990.
Dowd enjoyed a 42-year relationship with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, serving as an administrator and coach. He led the Corsair athletic department from 1988 to 1996, in addition to a second stint as the Interim Athletic Director during the 1997-98 academic year. Dowd remained on the UMass Dartmouth senior staff before retiring as the Staff Associate for Compliance and Educational Programing in 2009.
He began his career at Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute (SMTI) in 1967, directing the men's cross country program. He increased his responsibilities in 1974 to also include the women's cross country team. Dowd posted an impressive combined coaching record of 305-53-1. UMass Dartmouth, predecessor of SMU, men's program earned 10 consecutive berths into the national competition, finishing as high as fourth in 1980. He guided the women's team to three NCAA Championship appearances and back-to-back fourth place results in 1981 and 1982. A tremendous motivator, Dowd mentored six national champions and 33 Division III All-Americans during his career from 1967 through 1987.
Dowd and his wife, Gloria, are residents of Westport, Mass.