Athletics Director Clark Transitioning to Development Officer

Jimmy Clark is stepping down as director of athletics at University of the Ozarks at the end of May to become the University's new development officer for athletics.

Clark, who was hired at Ozarks to coach baseball in 2001, has served as athletics director at Ozarks for 17 years - since Jan. 1, 2007. He served a dual role as AD and head baseball coach from 2007 until 2014, when he became the University's first full-time director of athletics.

Under Clark's leadership, the athletic program added numerous sports, including competitive cheer and stunt, men's and women's clay target, men's and women's swimming and diving, men's and women's wrestling, and men's and women's indoor and outdoor track. He helped manage the construction of the Alexander-Boreham Tennis Center and Thomas and Frances Wilson Athletic Complex as well as the renovations of the Mabee Gymnasium and the strength and conditioning facility. He also guided the athletic program into membership in the Southern Collegiate Athletic and St. Louis Intercollegiate conferences and hired the program's first senior woman administrator and first full-time strength and conditioning coach.

"I am proud that the athletic department has grown under my leadership," Clark said. "I feel like I have left the department better than I found it. It has been an honor and privilege to work with coaches, faculty, staff, and student-athletes over the last 23 years. I have formed many strong relationships in that time due to this position. I look forward to continuing to help our athletic teams and our student-athletes reach new heights with the help and support of our generous alumni and friends."

While Clark was director of athletics, the number of student-athletes at Ozarks grew 57 percent, from 163 to 292. He oversaw multiple national championships for the clay target teams as well as national qualifiers for men's wrestling, women's wrestling and men's cross country. He also helped the athletic program launch a new visual identity initiative in 2016, which included a new contemporary Eagle, and led the department into a multi-year apparel deal with UnderArmour.

"Jimmy's passion and dedication have left an indelible mark on our athletic department and I am excited to see how he continues to improve and support our programs in his new role as a development officer," said Amy Lloyd, vice president for enrollment and marketing. "He genuinely cares for the well-being and development of our student-athletes and has left an impact that extends far beyond the realm of sports."

In his new position, Clark will lead the fund-raising efforts for the athletic program. His first day with the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement will be June 3.

"Having Jimmy join our fundraising team will elevate opportunities for the University due to the relationships that he has established over the years with our alumni and parents," said Lori McBee, vice president for advancement and alumni engagement. "We are excited he is a part of our team and look forward to the future."

Lloyd said the University will immediately begin a nation-wide search for the next director of athletics.

Topics: Athletics, Giving