OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City University has launched a national search for the university's next leader of the department of intercollegiate athletics.

The university is currently accepting applications for the open position. Learn more about the position here.

Jim Abbott announced his retirement from the position of Oklahoma City director of athletics effective in December. Abbott will conclude a 19-year stint guiding OCU's athletic department.
The university seeks an individual to provide strategic leadership, vision and support for all athletic programs including various team sports, student-athlete academic achievement, development, fundraising and community relations. The athletic director would report directly to the President of the university and will be a key member of the President's Cabinet.

"At Oklahoma City University, we are proud of our tradition of championship success and of the academic achievements of our student-athletes," said Oklahoma City President Dr. Kenneth Evans. "As our search committee seeks to identify a new athletics leader, we look forward to continuing those traditions and to maintaining the pride that our students, employees, alumni and supporters display for our OCU athletes."

Oklahoma City maintains competitive memberships in the Sooner Athletic Conference and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Stars reach excellence both in competition and in the classroom. OCU produced its top overall GPA of the past decade (3.332) while finishing fourth in the NAIA Directors' Cup standings in 2020-21.

Oklahoma City extended its string of winning at least one national title to 28 years dating back to 1993-94 after taking the 2021 NAIA competitive cheerleading championship. OCU has finished among the top five in the Directors' Cup standings for seven years in a row and 14 times overall.

OCU has won 70 national championships in all sports with three Directors' Cup titles (2016-17, '17-18 and '18-19).