Tatro, who currently serves as Lawrence's head softball and volleyball coach, will step down from her position with the volleyball team. She will continue to coach the softball team. She will begin her new duties on March 5.
"Kim has served Lawrence University in an exemplary way for the past eight years," Lawrence Director of Athletics Dave Brown said. "The ability for her to move into the position of associate athletic director is a huge boost for the athletic department. It will help keep things moving forward. She will be missed as volleyball coach, but we are very excited that she is staying on as softball coach."
Tatro joined the staff at Lawrence in 1993 and has been successful coaching both volleyball and softball. She led the Lawrence softball team to three consecutive Midwest Conference titles from 1997-99 and has compiled an impressive 123-89 record. Tatro has steadily built the Lawrence volleyball program, and she has more victories and winning seasons than any coach in school history.
"I really felt like it would be a great opportunity for me to be involved in the administrative area of things on our campus," Tatro said.
"I also believe it's a great opportunity for both the volleyball and softball programs because they will each have their own head coach. The expectation in both programs can increase."
The most difficult aspect of the new job will be leaving the volleyball program.
"I've really enjoyed coaching volleyball, but when the opportunity came up, it was something I couldn't pass up in my career. I will miss working with the volleyball players, and I'm proud of the fact that the program is in good shape. I know I will ending up being their biggest fan."
The search for a new head volleyball coach will begin immediately, Brown said.