The University of Missouri has officially announced Jim Sterk as its new Athletic Director.
"This is a wonderful day for Mizzou and Tiger fans everywhere," MU Chancellor Hank Foley said in a written statement Tuesday night. "Jim's leadership in intercollegiate athletics is unparalleled, and we are thrilled he is going to bring his talents, energy and passion for working with student-athletes to Columbia. He is just what Mizzou needs at this time."
The press release says Sterk was "chosen from a varied and impressive field of candidates with input from an advisory committee composed of faculty, staff, students and athletic supporters." The UM System Board of Curators met Tuesday afternoon and voted to approve a seven-year contract that will pay Sterk "a base and guaranteed salary of $700,000."
"My passion is building upon the successes of good athletic programs and helping to make them great," Sterk said in a written statement. "Whether it is guiding and mentoring student-athletes, working with coaches to ensure they have the resources they need or cheering with the fans, I realize that athletics is one of the most visible programs at a university. Mizzou's recent entry into the SEC makes it highly visible, and I am excited about the opportunity to help continue to lead it on the national stage."
Sterk has been SDSU’s athletic director for six years. San Diego Stateannounced last night on its websitethat Sterk had resigned after six years with the school and would take over at Missouri on Sept. 1. Missourinet reportsthat under Sterk’s leadership leadership, fifty SDSU teams have gone on to NCAA championships and 20 of them reached top 25 rankings nationally.
The 60-year-old Sterk will replace Mack Rhoades, who recently left for Baylor.
For more information about Sterk, follow this link to the official release from Mizzou Athletics.
