James Elected Chair of NCAA Division I Council

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced at its 2017 convention in Nashville that Miami Director of Athletics Blake James has been named Chair of the Division I Council.

The Division I Council is a high-level group responsible for the day-to-day decision-making for Division I. Each conference is represented on the group. Athletics directors, athletics administrators, senior women administrators, faculty athletics representatives and student-athletes serve on the Council.

“I look forward to Blake’s leadership on the Council,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said. “He’s been an important part of the success of that group for the last two years. His range of experiences in the membership will provide a great perspective as the Council addresses the challenges and opportunities through the next several years.”

James will serve a two-year term as Chair, starting at the conclusion of the Council’s April meeting.

“I’m honored to continue serving on the Council and look forward to the challenges in my new role,” James said. “I would like to thank the members of the Council for their vote of confidence and our staff at Miami, which has been extremely supportive.”

James was named Miami’s Director of Athletics in 2013, after previously serving as UM’s Interim Athletic Director and Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and Ticket Operations. James has been working in college athletics for 22 years.