Press Release – Blake James, the former director of athletics at the University of Miami, has been named the William V. Campbell Director of Athletics at Boston College, effective July 1. He succeeds Patrick Kraft, who became vice president for intercollegiate athletics at Pennsylvania State University in April.
An experienced, nationally respected athletics administrator who established a student-athlete approach at Miami that focused on academic achievement, athletic success, and individual development, James served as the school’s director of athletics from 2013-2021, leading the Hurricanes to multiple NCAA and ACC championships across numerous sports.
In his role, he oversaw 18 varsity sports involving more than 400 student-athletes, with a staff of more than 250 individuals and an annual budget of $123 million. At Miami, he set records for athletics fundraising and led the completion of major capital projects, including new indoor facilities for football, baseball, and golf, and facility enhancements for men and women’s basketball. He negotiated and managed one of the largest collegiate sports apparel deals in the country, and significantly increased ticket sales for the school’s football and basketball programs.
Boston College
A proven leader within the NCAA and ACC, James served on the NCAA Board of Directors (2017-2019), NCAA Board of Governors (2017-2019), the NCAA Football Oversight Committee (2015-2017), and held leadership roles on the NCAA Student Athlete Experience Committee (2019-2021). He also served as chair of the NCAA Division I Council, the group responsible for the day-to-day decision making for all Division I athletics. Within the ACC, he served on the Football Committee, the NIL Committee, and the Finance and Audit Committee, and was named chair of the conference’s athletics directors. He was selected as one of four recipients of the Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year award by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics in 2016.
In announcing the appointment, University President William P. Leahy, S.J., praised James as an individual with the proven record of accomplishment to lead Boston College Athletics into the future.
“Blake brings extensive experience, understands the issues facing intercollegiate athletics today, and is committed to BC’s mission,” said Fr. Leahy. “I look forward to welcoming him to Boston College.”
James said he is excited to become BC’s next director of athletics and looks forward to beginning his role next month.
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“It is truly an honor to join the Boston College family as the William V. Campbell Director of Athletics,” said James. “I am grateful to Fr. Leahy for the opportunity to lead the Eagles and for his confidence in me and in our shared vision for BC Athletics. We will strive for excellence in all of our pursuits in alignment with our Jesuit values. We will compete for championships with integrity, with incredible young men and women, and talented and compassionate coaches and staff supporting their journeys.”
A graduate of Minnesota State University-Mankato with a degree in marketing, James earned a master’s degree in sports administration from St. Thomas University.
He began his athletic career at the University of Miami in tickets sales and development before moving to Providence College to work in athletic development. He later served as director of athletics at the University of Maine where he directed 19 Division I sports programs from 2005-2010, before returning to Miami as interim athletics director and senior associate A.D. for Development and Ticket Operations. He was named Miami’s Director of Athletics in 2013.
James said he looked forward to coming to Chestnut Hill, and to beginning this new chapter in his career.
“Having lived in New England for eight years, our family is thrilled to return to the region and to immerse ourselves into the Boston College community,” said James. “My wife, Kelly, and I cannot wait to come to Chestnut Hill in the coming weeks, and we look forward to our children—Haley and Ryan—visiting us often while pursuing their careers and education. We are humbled by the opportunity and look forward to serving Boston College for many years to come.”
