Cleveland – The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced that Iowa State Athletics Director Jamie Pollard has been named the Association’s President for the 2021-22 membership year.
Pollard succeeds University of Michigan Director of Athletics Warde Manuel, who served as President in 2020-21.
Pollard said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the next President of NACDA,” It is humbling to join the long list of amazing leaders who have previously served as President of our organization. I look forward to working with Bob Vecchione and the NACDA staff, along with the other members of the Executive Committee, to help lead our profession during one of the most challenging times our industry has ever faced.”
Pollard, who is in his 17th year as the leader of Cyclone Athletics, set a vision for success and provided the energy to execute a plan for major impacts on the Iowa State campus, in the Big 12, and nationally.
Under Pollard’s leadership, the department has invested significantly in facilities, energized the fan base, tripled its operating budget, eliminated its dependence upon state funding, recorded all-time program bests on the field and in the classroom, and bettered attendance marks in its five major sports.
NACDA Chief Executive Officer Bob Vecchione said, “NACDA is excited to welcome Jamie as President for 2021-22,” Jamie’s history with NACDA and its Affiliate Associations runs deep, including his time as CABMA President more than 15 years ago. Through the years, dating back to his undergraduate day at Wisconsin-Oshkosh where he was a national champion long distance runner, he has channeled his competitive drive into an extremely successful athletics administration career, developing into one of the industry’s most trusted and respected leaders.”
National observers have noticed the resurgence in Ames and Pollard was recognized as 2019 Athletics Director of the Year by NACDA.
Pollard added another prestigious assignment to his resume in 2019 when he was chosen to serve a five-year term on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee. Pollard begins his third year of a five-year term this season.
Pollard is a member of the Executive Committee of NACDA and will be the organization’s President in the 2021-22 academic year. He has previously served as President of the Division I-A Athletics Director’s Association and the Collegiate Athletics Business Manager’s Association.
Prior to his arrival at ISU he served in various athletic administrative capacities at Wisconsin, Maryland and Saint Louis.
Pollard is the second Iowa State Athletics Director to serve as president of NACDA. Former AD Gene Smith was president during the 1994-95 school year.
