Sterk and the school will mutually part ways once a new AD is found, ending a five-year tenure in Columbia.
After five years at the helm of Mizzou Athletics, Jim Sterk and the university have announced that the two parties will part ways.
In a release sent Monday afternoon, the school confirmed that Sterk will step down from his position after a search for his successor is complete.
“We are grateful for the dedicated leadership Jim has provided over the last five years to position Mizzou for even greater success,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “We recognize his many contributions and appreciate his continued role as we search for the next leader of Mizzou Athletics.
Sterk was hired in August 2016 and has overseen quite a few changes in his tenure as the 20th Mizzou AD. Sterk oversaw the hirings of men’s basketball coach Cuonzo Martin, softball coach Larissa Anderson, and, most recently, football coach Eli Drinkwitz (although the latter reportedly came with some complex finagling behind the scenes.) Sterk also oversaw the completion of the South End Zone at Faurot Field and worked on the approval of a new indoor practice facility for the football program that will break ground soon.
True to his reputation as an ace fundraiser, Sterk saw the annual fundraising record broken twice, first in fiscal year 2017, then again in FY21. According to Dave Matter, the news surprised Mizzou Athletics staff members, who were notified this afternoon.
“I am grateful for the hard work of our amazing staff, coaches and student-athletes, as well as the generous support of our alumni and friends during my tenure as athletics director,” Sterk said. “I believe that Mizzou Athletics is well positioned for future success, and I wish our coaches and student-athletes well in their continued quest for academic and athletic excellence. MIZ.”
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