An email from Colgate University President Brian W. Casey on Thursday, Nov. 2, announced the appointment of Colgate University alumnus Yariv Amir ’01 to the position of vice president and director of athletics. Having served as the interim vice president and director of athletics since January 2023, Amir will now step into the official position.
In Amir’s interim position, he led national searches for the head coaches for golf, women’s rowing and men’s hockey. Prior to this role, Amir served as the senior associate athletics director for finance and operations. During his time as a student, he was the captain of the men’s rowing team.
“His commitment to Colgate’s student athletes is unwavering, and he has proven to be the effective and caring leader that Colgate Athletics deserves,” Casey wrote in the email.
Especially considering upcoming projects that will replace Reid Athletic Center, Casey noted that Amir will have a notable responsibility as the incoming director.
“I very much look forward to working with [Amir] as we continue to support and strengthen our Division I athletic program and as we implement Colgate’s Third-Century Plan in the years ahead,” the email read.
Casey later explained that he is excited to have an alum and former student-athlete in the position.
“I was having more and more conversations with people in [Colgate] Athletics and members of the [University] Cabinet, and everyone was reporting the same thing: He’s terrific. He’s loyal. He’s an alum. He knows what he’s doing,” Casey said.
Casey also commented on Amir’s abilities in the interim position.
“[Amir] stepped into this role and owned it in a very particular way,” Casey said. “He’s authentic, he’s honest, he’s deliberative, he cares — and I think his integrity was palpable to the coaches.”
After a long search for a new director, Casey explained why Amir is the right person for the job.
“We have a terrific former student-athlete from Colgate on our campus who has the respect of the faculty and the coaches; it just seemed like the obvious choice,” Casey said.
