Jim Harris Position: Director of Athletics Institution: University of Alabama - Huntsville

Jim Harris became director of athletics at Alabama Huntsville (UAH) in 1995 and quickly established a dual tradition of winning and academic excellence.

Under Harris' administration the Chargers have won two NCAA championships, 11 Gulf South Conference (GSC) championships, and have sent several different teams to regional play.

Harris emphasizes performance in the classroom as well as on the playing fields resulting in numerous Chargers being selected for NCAA and GSC academic honors.

From a business standpoint, Harris has increased the department's revenue through enhanced efforts in fund raising and ticket sales.

Harris' athletics career has spanned over 30 years and includes a broad range of experiences at both public and private universities. He served as the associate athletics director for external operations at Utah State from 1993-95; was the assistant athletic director for development at Rice from 1986-93; and was a member of the development staff at Ohio State from 1985-86. He began his career as director of athletics development at Bowling Green from 1975-85.

Harris earned a certificate in 1992 from the Sports Management Institute, a postgraduate program sponsored by the Universities of Notre Dame, North Carolina, and Southern California. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in education from Bowling Green in 1971.

He is married to April L. Harris, who is director of alumni relations at UAH. The Harris' have one son, J.R.