HAMILTON – Yariv Amir ’01 was introduced as Colgate University’s vice president and director of athletics in front of coaches, student-athletes, faculty and staff, and members of the Colgate community Friday afternoon inside the Class of 1965 Arena. 

“Yariv brings to this role a wealth of experience in collegiate athletics and a deep knowledge and love for his alma mater,” Colgate University President Brian W. Casey said. “To watch a game or match with him is to hear about strategy, data, and keen observation. To hear him speak about capital projects is to hear someone who knows details extremely well, as well as the big picture.” 

Prior to his stint as interim vice president and director of athletics, Amir served as the deputy athletics director and worked as the senior associate athletics director for finance and operations as well as senior associate athletics director for external operations. 

Casey continued, “Yariv is an extremely hard worker. He rolls up his sleeves and gets what needs to be done, done. I’ve rarely encountered someone so diligent in their work.... Yariv is pragmatic. He always focuses on the next step. What might be less obvious about Yariv, what might be hidden behind his kindly and self-effacing manner, is his quiet and steady sense of ambition for Colgate. 

“I have loved working with Yariv. I know all of you will love working with him in his new role. I know that coaches, administrators, and student-athletes will benefit from his character, his strength, his work ethic, and his wisdom for years to come,” Casey said.

During his short time as interim vice president and director of athletics, Amir successfully led national searches for three head coaching hires. In his role as the athletics' CFO, Amir oversaw business operations, facilities and event operations, capital projects, equipment services, and the department's external operations including communications, multimedia, and marketing. He has served as the sport administrator for nine athletics programs during his tenure at Colgate. 

“Colgate is an amazing place with amazing student-athletes,” Amir said. “We have an opportunity to grow this department, and to compete nationally at the highest levels. It’s all about advocating for our student-athletes, assembling a team, and building and strengthening the relationships around us to make it all a reality. The future of Colgate athletics embraces and amplifies what is best about its past, builds upon its strengths, and stretches it into new challenges and possibilities. 

“We are well on the path to making this happen. We have added several programmatic endowments, a coaching chair, and increased athletics annual giving year over year. All of these initiatives have and will directly impact our ability to provide our student-athletes with a top Division I experience. Progress is evident, but there still is much work to do, and I look forward to partnering with our colleagues across campus to continue this work.

“At Colgate we have a rich tradition and bold ambition. We aspire to be the preeminent undergraduate institution in the world. Our student-athletes receive a world-class education in the classroom, live in a beautiful and inspiring residential learning environment, and their experiences should be no different in athletics.

“I will always represent our department in the best light, tirelessly advocating on behalf of our coaches and student-athletes. I am really excited, I am incredibly grateful to so many people, and I am ready to get to work. Thank you! Go, ‘gate!”

The full introduction can be viewed on ESPN+.