Dr. Jim M. Sarrá, Jr. is a distinguished academic and seasoned athletics management professional with over 30 years of extensive experience in NCAA Division I and II athletics departments.
Before coming to St. Edward’s, Dr. Sarrá provided strategic assistance to the Western Illinois University (WIU) athletics department while also serving as an assistant professor of sports management. Before joining WIU, Dr. Sarrá was an Assistant Professor at the University of Dubuque.
Dr. Sarrá's tenure at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) from 2016-2019 was marked by significant achievements. As the Director of Athletics, he oversaw all aspects of the athletic department, leading the Prairie Stars to some of their top successes at the NCAA Division II level. Under his guidance, the team finished in the top third in the GLVC Commissioner’s Cup.
From 2005 to 2016, he worked at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA); in his last position, Dr. Sarrá was the Deputy Director of Athletics, managing day-to-day operations. Sarrá was a key executive team member who helped UTSA add football. He was involved in fundraising, developing facilities, managing ten sports, academics, compliance, athletics facilities, and strength and conditioning units. He also was part of the executive leadership team that helped transition UTSA from FCS to FBS.
Dr. Sarrá was also the Sr. Associate AD at the University of Maryland, where he led and oversaw all aspects of NCAA compliance and student services. Dr. Sarrá has served in many administrative roles at NCAA Division I Power 5, FBS, and FCS institutions. He was also selected to and a graduate of the NCAA Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males and Females and the NCAA Fellows Leadership Development Program.
Academically, Dr. Sarrá holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University and another in Global Sports Leadership from East Tennessee State University. He has also earned master's degrees from Western Illinois University and St. Bonaventure University, along with a Graduate Certificate in Sports Analytics and Management from American University. Sarrá also earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from St. Bonaventure University.
In his professional experience, Dr. Sarrá has excelled in leadership, fundraising, and fostering academic success among student-athletes. He has initiated successful capital campaigns, enhanced donor relations, and significantly improved athletes' performance and graduation rates under his guidance. His dedication to academic excellence and athletic performance underscores his commitment to developing well-rounded, successful individuals on and off the field.
