Thursday, July 6, 2017
ANCHORAGE , Alaska – University of Alaska Anchorage interim vice chancellor for administrative services Patrick Shier announced Wednesday that Tim McDiffett will serve as UAA’s interim director of athletics, effective July 10.
A member of the athletic department since 1981, McDiffett has served as an associate athletic director since 1991, including the past four years in the role of senior associate AD. In his current role, he oversees the department’s external functions of corporate sponsorships, advertising, marketing, promotion, merchandising and licensing. He manages the department’s media rights contracts, oversees games management of all UAA athletic home competitions and supervises three sports – men’s basketball, women’s volleyball and skiing. McDiffett has twice previously served as interim athletic director at UAA, in 1992 and 2013.
“I am confident that Tim will provide leadership and stability during this time of transition,” Shier said. “He brings strong communication and marketing skills and has played a critical role in nearly every aspect of the athletic department’s functioning during his career. Most importantly, Tim is committed to the academic and competitive success of UAA’s student-athletes.”
A native of Alta Vista, Kan., McDiffett earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Kansas State University in 1977.
Shier said UAA will share its plan for the search for a new director of athletics soon.