#United States #University of Maryland #College Park #James E. Smith #Athletics

University of Maryland Welcomes James E. Smith as Athletic Director

The University of Maryland has made an exciting announcement regarding its athletics program: James E. Smith has been appointed as the new Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics. Smith arrives from the Atlanta Braves, where he served as the Senior Vice President of Business Strategy, and he is set to steer the university's distinguished athletic tradition to new heights.

In his first statement after his appointment, Smith expressed his gratitude and honor in being chosen to lead the department. He said, "It is a great honor to be chosen to lead the athletics department at the University of Maryland and to guide UMD's storied programs into the next era." His enthusiasm for enhancing the experiences of student-athletes while focusing on their health and academic success resonates warmly with the university community.

The President of UMD, Darryll J. Pines, emphasized the university's commitment to athletics and the importance of Smith's leadership. "As college athletics rapidly evolves, Jim brings valuable administrative and business experience, plus the energy, vision, and passion to lead our athletics program to new levels of success and impact," he remarked.

Smith's impressive background spans over two decades within various prestigious athletic organizations, including stints at Ohio State University, Atlanta Falcons, and AMB Sports Entertainment. At the Braves, he achieved remarkable outcomes, rolling out innovative strategies that significantly boosted revenue and fan engagement. His diverse experience has equipped him with the proficiency necessary to lead UMD’s intercollegiate athletics, overseeing a team of over 250 full-time staff serving 550 student-athletes.

With over five years at the Braves, Smith played a vital role in implementing successful business initiatives, thereby elevating ticket sales and enhancing fan interaction. Now, he faces a thrilling challenge at Maryland, where the athletics programs have gained recognition for their recent achievements, particularly since joining the Big Ten Conference in 2014. Under Smith’s guidance, UMD aims to build on its successes, having secured numerous championships, including 49 conference titles and several national championships in the past decade alone.

Smith is not only recognized for his executive stature but also for his community involvement. He serves on several boards, including the Mitsubishi Electric Senior PGA and Gwinnett County Chamber. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Northwestern University, alongside a master’s degree in sports management from Ohio State University, underpinning his expertise in the field.

Amidst the ongoing evolution of college sports, Smith's experience positions him uniquely to support UMD’s intercollegiate athletics effectively. He has a strong interest in connecting with peers in the field, intending to leverage his professional network to foster growth within the athletics programs.

The recent advancements in facilities at UMD, including the Jones-Hill House Football Performance Center and Barry Gossett Basketball Performance Center, mark significant strides toward enhancing the student-athlete experience. Smith’s visionary approach is expected to sustain this momentum, continuing the university's trajectory of excellence in athletics.

Smith’s appointment is the result of a thoughtful and extensive search conducted by an internal committee, ensuring the chosen candidate could navigate the complexities of modern intercollegiate sports. Starting from July 15, 2025, Smith will embark on his role, promising to engage and inspire the university community.

Feedback from the sports community underscores Smith's potential to thrive at UMD. Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti and other seasoned professionals have praised Smith's capabilities, emphasizing his proven track record and vision for advancing athletic programs.

In conclusion, the University of Maryland has set the stage for a promising future in athletics with the addition of James E. Smith. As he steps into his new role, the anticipation is palpable, and the university community is eager to witness the transformative impact of his leadership on Maryland Athletics.