Sterk officially named Mizzou athletic director
Jim Sterk is officially named the next athletic director at the University of Missouri, interim chancellor Hank Foley announced Tuesday.
As ABC 17 confirmed on Monday, Sterk leaves his post at San Diego State, where he spent the last 6 seasons growing the athletic department. Since 2011-2012, the Aztecs had 32 team conference championships.
“My passion is building upon the successes of good athletic programs and helping to make them great,” Sterk said in a statement through the University of Missouri. “Whether it is guiding and mentoring student-athletes, working with coaches to ensure they have the resources they need or cheering with the fans, I realize that athletics is one of the most visible programs at a university. Mizzou’s recent entry into the SEC makes it highly visible, and I am excited about the opportunity to help continue to lead it on the national stage.”
The UM System Board of Curators approved Sterk’s 7-year contract. His base and guaranteed salary is $700,000. According to the release, Sterk will start “on or before September 1.”
One of San Diego State’s most famous alumni, Marshall Faulk, also praised Mizzou for hiring Jim Sterk. Faulk is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and played for the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams.
“Jim elevated SDSU to a respectable level both athletically and academically,” Faulk said in a statement. . “His leadership was instrumental in the rise of SDSU success. How we cared for our student-athletes was his No. 1 concern. While I’m sad to see him go, I am equally happy for Jim and his family, and I told him he is going to love the people of Missouri. Mizzou, you hired a man with impeccable integrity.”
Sterk was named Athletic Director of the Year this past year. Mizzou will host a news conference for Sterk at 11 a.m. on Thursday.
