Doug Beard, senior associate athletic director at the University of Wisconsin and a member of the UW athletics administration since 2001, died at his home Friday night. He was 46.

"Everyone in our department is shocked and greatly saddened at the news of Doug's passing," UW Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez said in a statement. "Doug was a quality person and someone we all leaned on. He was dedicated and loyal and a valued member of our staff. We will miss him a great deal. On behalf of our entire department, I want to express our sincere condolences to all of Doug's family and friends, especially his wife, Pat, and his daughter, Lindsay."

Walter Dickey, chair of the UW Athletic Board, expressed sadness at the news, as well.

"I believe I can speak for the athletic board when I say how sad we are to hear this news about Doug Beard," Dickey said. "Doug worked closely with us. He was clearly a very competent and dedicated administrator. The University of Wisconsin community has lost a tremendous representative and many of us have lost a great friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Doug's family and friends."

Beard was entering his sixth year on the UW administrative team. Promoted to senior associate director of athletics for administration on Feb. 1, 2006, Beard served as chief of staff and oversaw all day-to-day operations for the 23-sport program. He directly supervised the men's and women's hockey programs, event operations, food and beverage service, guest services, human resources and sports medicine units. Beard also oversaw business and finance and facilities and maintenance during his tenure at UW.

Beard joined the UW staff in 2001 as assistant director of athletics for event management. He was promoted to associate director of athletics in 2002. Beard was instrumental in the design and implementation of the event management and food service operations of all seven athletic venues, including the newly renovated Camp Randall Stadium.

Sought for his expertise in the area, Beard spoke at several national conferences on the topic of large scale athletic venue operations. Under his supervision, Beard also reorganized the Human Resources Department. While serving as the sport administrator, the hockey programs he oversaw won three national championships in the past two years: men's hockey in 2006 and women's hockey, with back-to-back titles, in 2006 and 2007.

Beard served as chair of the Local Organizing Committee that staged the 2006 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Frozen Four in Milwaukee. Beard was to be the incoming chair of the athletic directors committee for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

Before coming to Wisconsin, Beard worked at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 1989-2001. While at UW-Milwaukee, Beard played a key role in moving the school from a Division III, NAIA program with a $750,000 annual budget to a Division I, Horizon League power with an $8 million annual budget. Prior to his 12-year stint in Milwaukee, Beard was at Division III, Wisconsin-Stout from 1987-89.

Beard, originally from Kennebunkport, Maine, had an associate's degree in food service management and bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of New Hampshire (1985). He received his master's degree in athletic administration from Kent State University (1987).

Beard is survived by his wife, Patricia, and daughter, Lindsay.