Jim Sterk

Jim Sterk
Biographical details
Born (1956-06-10) June 10, 1956 (age 68)
Bellingham, Washington, U.S.
Alma materWestern Washington University
Administrative career (AD unless noted)
1987–1990Maine (assistant director of finance)
1990–1991Seattle Pacific (associate athletic director)
1991–1995Tulane (senior associate athletics director)
1995–2000Portland State
2000–2010Washington State
2010–2016San Diego State
2016–2021Missouri

Jim Sterk (born June 10, 1956) is an American university sports administrator who most recently served as the athletic director at the University of Missouri. He has previously served as athletic director for Portland State, Washington State, and San Diego State.

Early life and education

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Jim Sterk was born on June 10, 1956, in Bellingham, Washington, and was raised in Nooksack, Washington. He received his bachelor's degree in 1980 from Western Washington University, and in 1986 received his master's degree in sports administration from Ohio University.[1]

Athletic director

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Portland State

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After working in various positions at Maine, Seattle Pacific, and Tulane, Sterk became the athletic director for Portland State. While at Portland State, he oversaw the transition from Division II to Division I.[2]

Washington State

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In 2000, Sterk left Portland State and accepted a job as athletic director for Washington State. During his tenure, Washington State excelled academically in the Pac-10, and saw an increase in donations and annual gifts.[3]

San Diego State

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Sterk left Washington State to become the athletic director at San Diego State. During his time San Diego State, the athletic program improved on various levels, including their basketball team having a streak of 72 sold-out games and their football team going 11–3 and beating Cincinnati in the Hawaii Bowl in his final year.[4]

Missouri

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On September 1, 2016, Sterk became the athletic director for Missouri. Former San Diego State player Marshall Faulk commended the hiring. Under Sterk's watch, Missouri has advanced academically with its athletic teams.[5] On July 26, 2021, Sterk announced that he would step down as athletic director for Missouri and would leave once his replacement was found.[6]

Personal life

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Sterk is married to his wife, Debi, and they have three daughters together: Ashley, Amy and Abby.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "WWU Hall of Famer Jim Sterk named director of athletics at San Diego State". Western Washington University Athletics. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  2. ^ "Jim Sterk Selected WSU's New Athletic Director". Washington State University Athletics. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  3. ^ "Jim Sterk Named Athletic Director at San Diego State". SDSU Athletics. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  4. ^ Palmer, Tod (August 16, 2016). "Missouri lands Jim Sterk as new athletic director, will start Sept. 1". Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  5. ^ "Jim Sterk - Athletic Director - Staff Directory". University of Missouri Athletics. Retrieved July 24, 2021.
  6. ^ "University of Missouri athletics director Jim Sterk stepping down after five years". USA Today.
  7. ^ "Jim Sterk - Athletic Director - Staff Directory". University of Missouri Athletics. Retrieved July 24, 2021.