A college athletic director oversees all aspects of an athletics program, including the hiring of coaches and administrators, scheduling, promoting programs and events, constructing budgets, fund raising and so much more. Over the next few weeks, we will meet the 14 Athletic Directors in the Pacific West Conference.
Today, let's learn more about Jeffrey Bussell, Athletic Director at new PacWest member Vanguard. Bussell has been the A.D. at Vanguard since 2018, and has a diverse athletic administrator background prior to his current role. The 2019-20 GSAC Athletic Director of the Year has also served at the University of Antelope Valley as athletic director and was previously at Jessup University in athletic administration, sports information and was the head men's basketball coach.
Jeff and his wife, Nicole, have two daughters: Grace and Samantha.
*What was your first job in college athletics?
My first job in college athletics was as assistant men’s basketball coach at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesot. The College of St. Scholastica was dual affiliated NAIA/NCAA DIII Program. The job paid $11,000 plus room and meals.
*When did you first realize that you wanted to be an A.D?
I first served as an AD/Coach at a private Christian elementary through high school. This experience allowed me to get a taste of what it was like to lead coaches, staff and kids fourth grade through high school. Due to my love of sports and its impact on people, I enjoyed serving in the AD role. From there, I moved on to work at Jessup University. I started as a part-time assistant men’s basketball coach then became full-time as an assistant coach, athletics marketing coordinator, sports information and game management director. As the university continued its growth, the job went from 50/50 coaching/administration to about 80/20 administration/coach. Attending the NAIA National Convention in Newport Beach, I felt the Lord calling me to decide between administration and coaching. I wrestled with the Lord about this decision. During a Sunday sermon around this time, the pastor stated “sometimes you need to decrease to allow for increase to happen.” Ultimately, I chose to trust the Lord and follow the path that God was calling me into. That decision led to my first opportunity as an Athletic Director at the University of Antelope Valley and then brought me back to the Newport Beach/Costa Mesa area where I felt the calling to serve the Lord as an athletic administrator.
*Who have been some of your mentors during your career and what have you learned from them?
I will start with my high school basketball coaches Norm Ryan, Belno Lange, and Larry Dubie. Because of their influence and impact on my life, I wanted to be a coach from the time I was 16 years old. After graduating high school, I ended up returning to coach at my alma mater with these three coaches. They were great leaders on and off the court and molded me as a young coach and a leader. Farnum Smith was a great mentor as I transitioned out of coaching and into full-time administration. He did a great job leading the growth of Jessup athletics in the 10 years I served in the department. He was a steady leader with a servant heart who loves transforming lives. I met Jim Abbott at the second annual Business of Small College Athletics (BOSCA) event. Jim took me under his wing and has been a valuable resource in my success. Jim and the network of professionals I met through BOSCA have been one phone call away to help me navigate the challenges and opportunities as an athletic director. Jim challenged me to think critically and outside of the box as a leader. He encouraged and empowered me to chase after my dreams.
*What advice would you give someone interested in a career in college athletics administration?
I would encourage those interested in college athletics to focus on gaining relevant experience through internships or entry level positions. Get involved in the athletic department and offer to serve in any capacity they may need. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice money for experience in the beginning. Reach out to leaders in the business to gain insights on the qualities and values that have helped them to achieve success within the industry. Find mentors and/or coaches that are willing to tell you what you need to hear for growth to happen. Invest in yourself to bringing awareness to your leadership strengths and weaknesses. Approach the journey with a growth mindset by being flexible, adaptable and teachable. Chase after your dreams with an uncommon faith, commitment, and attitude.
*Favorite Binge-Worthy Show
Reality TV would be Survivor. Second would the Karate Kid spinoff Cobra Kai.
*Favorite Fast Food
Miguel Jr’s
*Your Own Greatest Sporting Moment as a Coach or Player?
Winning the 2012-2013 California Pacific Conference Men’s Basketball Regular Season Championship at Jessup University. After starting the season 1-14, we climbed out of the depths of despair to find a newfound confidence within each other to go 8-2 in conference play. We clinched the Cal Pac Regular Season title in a hard fought 62-61 win at Menlo College. After our 11th straight loss, I wrote the lyrics from Jeremy Camp Overcomer song, “We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony,” on the white board. I told the team, if we could transform our minds and believe, the Lord would give us a testimony to share about our journey for the rest of our lives. We started our Monday practices by doing the small group video series “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. This discussion time helped us draw close to the Lord and each other. It was a spiritual journey of seeing God’s hand renewing our minds and purpose. It was a testament to our courage to trust the Lord and fight through the adversity to achieve something great for His glory and not our own. It was a transformational experience.
*Your favorite team or athlete of all time and why?
San Francisco Giants with their amazing run of three World Series Championships in five years from 2010-2014. Bruce Bochy was a great coach who maximized his talent. The Giants were led by catcher Buster Posey, who lived out his Christian values throughout his career. As a lifelong Giants fan, who endured a lot of rough years in the 80’s and 90’s , it was a special ride for five years. Go Giants! Beat LA!