Johnson Named Pittsburg State Athletics Director

PITTSBURG, Kan. -- Pittsburg State University President Steve Scott today announced the selection of Jim Johnson as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Johnson was selected following a national search and will begin his duties on Sept. 7, 2010.

A press conference introducing Johnson will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the lower level of the Wilkinson Alumni Center. A reception for Jim and his wife, Cindy, will immediately follow in the University Room of the Alumni Center.

“We were looking for a professional with the skills necessary to continue Pittsburg State University’s great tradition of athletic success,” said Scott. “As I spoke with our coaches, faculty and staff and proud alumni, it became apparent that Jim is the right person for the job. He has proven himself to be a leader at the Division II level and I’m confident he will guide our athletics programs to success both in the classroom and on the playing field.”

Johnson said he was honored to have been chosen to lead such a high profile program.

“I want to thank President Scott and the university administration for their confidence in me,” said Johnson. “When you talk about success at the Division II level, you’re going to talk about Pittsburg State University. I’m extremely excited to be a part of this university’s great tradition and looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”

Johnson becomes just the 10th athletics director in the 102-year history of Pittsburg State University athletics.

He will fill the position held by long-time athletics director and former head football coach Chuck Broyles, who in May announced his plans to enter phased retirement.

“I want to thank Chuck Broyles for his service and commitment to Pittsburg State University,” said Scott. “Whether as a student, football player, coach or administrator, Chuck has worked diligently to help produce some of the best athletic programs at the Division II level.” 

Johnson was chosen after a national search that attracted more than 50 applicants. Finalists were selected by a seven-person search committee chaired by former NFL All-Pro and PSU alumnus Kendall Gammon.

“I’m extremely grateful to Kendall and the search committee members,” Scott said. “They put in countless hours during the process and helped lead us to today’s announcement.”

Johnson will receive an annual salary of $120,000 and serve on the president’s council.

Jim Johnson holds both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master of arts degree in education from Tarleton State University.

From 1993 until 1997, Johnson served as the compliance coordinator and men’s athletic coordinator at Tarleton State University. In 1997, he accepted a position with the National Collegiate Athletic Association, first as a membership services representative and later as a Division II governance liaison. 

Johnson briefly served as an intercollegiate athletics consultant before becoming the associate athletics director for development in 2003 at the University of Central Missouri. From 2005 to 2007 he held the position of athletics director at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

In 2007, Johnson was named to his current position as commissioner of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

Jim and his wife, Cindy (a former athletics administrator and cross country student-athlete at UCM), have two sons, Ely (10) and Riley (7).

The MIAA CEO Council will initiate a search for Johnson's replacement immediately.