Alumni
Athletics
Now, he’s been promoted by President Thomas Newsom to an advanced leadership role — one that will have profound ramifications on the university as it launches a new strategic plan.
"Very early in my time at Pitt State, I recognized the need for this leadership role on my team as we move quickly to meet the evolving needs of students and employers," said Newsom. "Frankly, it's a hard role to fill. The fact that we had the right candidate on our campus already, and that he was willing to take it on, is truly fortunate."
Next week, Johnson will begin serving as executive vice president for engagement and executive affairs, reporting directly to Newsom as he helps guide the roll-out of Access PITT State.
The new strategic plan directly addresses challenges brought on by the climate for higher education, public funding, and the need to focus on new industry demands.
“We must have lean operations that are laser focused on the most impactful coursework, support systems, and activities that help us recruit, retain, and prepare students for a constantly evolving workforce,” Newsom said. “We need to reduce the complexity of our operations, strengthen our ties to each other, and prioritize the best possible experiences of our students.”
“That’s a heavy lift, and one that requires an executive leader experienced in building organizations of the future and creating a culture of excellence through practical solutions,” he noted.
Johnson was the perfect choice.
As athletics director, Johnson has provided leadership and support for the Gorillas’ 15 varsity intercollegiate sports programs as well as the department’s more than 100 full-time and part-time administrative and coaching staff members.
Twice he has been named NACDA Athletics Director of the Year. He served more than 19 years in the NCAA governance structure, including two years as chair of the NCAA Division 2 Management Council and member of the NCAA Board of Governors, and as president of the D2 Athletic Directors Association in 2018-19.
He has developed and nurtured relationships with donors, local businesses, and community entities in support of athletics programs, creating the Silverback Fund, the Troop 1908 Award, and the Gorilla Kick-Off Party and Auction.
Under his guidance, Pitt State has won 56 MIAA championships, made 22 NCAA tournament appearances, won five NCAA regional championships, and won 12 NCAA national championships. Following the 2024-25 academic year, Pitt State claimed the university’s fourth consecutive, and fifth overall, MIAA Commissioner’s Cup honoring the conference’s top overall program. That year also culminated in a seventh place finish in the NACDA/Learfield Directors Cup — the school’s highest all-time finish.
Last calendar year, every sport made it to post-season competition, marking it as one of the most successful years in Pitt State athletic history.
During his tenure, Johnson has guided the completion of the Plaster Center, a complete overhaul of the Weede building including John Lance Arena, renovations to Carnie Smith Stadium and the Gene Bicknell Sports Complex, the construction of the Pitt State Soccer Pitch, and the construction of the new outdoor track facility.
He also served as commissioner of the MIAA from 2007-2010, handling the administration of conference championships and providing leadership in marketing and promotions, broadcasting, rules compliance, strategic planning, officiating and media relations, and oversight and management of financial resources totaling more than $1 million.
Read more about Johnson’s accomplishments in athletics here: Jim Johson's bio
Newsom has tasked Johnson with setting a new standard for collaboration, transparency, accountability, and action across the university so that the strategic plan has the most fertile ground upon which to grow.
"Gone are the days when academics and staff can work in silos,” Newsom said.
“We simply will not meet our goal and sustain our university if we don’t share our expertise across the organization, examine what works best, replicate impactful practices across the institution, eliminate outdated and low-return on investment activities, standardize what we can to reduce barriers, and retain good employees who are in the right position to achieve the most.”
That calls for a leader focused on execution — one experienced in building organizations of the future and creating a culture of excellence through practical solutions.
Johnson will work to reduce complexity, strengthen ties, and prioritize student experiences.
“Jim Johnson has spent more than 30 years in roles at universities and in organizations developing into one of the most respected voices in intercollegiate athletics today,” Newsom said, pointing to his deep experience in:
“This is the experience necessary to execute our plans across all areas of the university,” Newsom said.
Higher education is not often noted for quick action, but Newsom wants to move quickly to capitalize on opportunities and create new ones in support of the five-year goal. He felt the time was right, he said, because intercollegiate athletics has reached a new level of competitiveness and operational excellence at Pitt State and is now on firm footing.
"It’s a good time to hand the reigns to Anthony Crespino, who, with Jim’s continued mentorship, will find new ways to sustain and build upon success,” Newsom said.
Johnson said he is excited for this new challenge to help shepherd the university into a new era and is humbled in the confidence Newsom has in him being the person to do it.
“I appreciate the confidence Thomas has in me to bring my years of experience to the table to advance the entire university, to be a leader beyond just athletics,” Johnson said. “I look forward to working more closely with our cabinet, our donors and alumni, the campus community, and the community of Pittsburg, to strengthen our university and lead transformational change in the unique world in which we now live in higher education.”
