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.
Brad Jones has been the Director of Athletics at the Academy of Art University since 2017. Prior to that he held the same role at Brigham Young University-Hawaii. For over 10 seasons prior to BYU-Hawaii, Jones was on campus with the University of Hawaii as the director of football administration, overseeing all administrative aspects for the University of Hawaii football team. He also worked for the Atlantic 10 Conference and the Western Athletic Conference.
He earned his degree in Political Science from Brigham Young University (Utah).
*What was your first job in college athletics?
Following an internship with the National Association of Basketball Coaches, I was hired by the Atlantic 10 Conference as an Assistant Director of Conference Championships.
*When did you first realize that you wanted to be an A.D?
I was inspired to get into college athletics from my grandfather, Stan Watts. He was my father figure growing up and he was the head basketball coach and the athletic director at BYU. I was always interested in the challenges and experiences he faced in that role.
*Who have been some of your mentors during your career and what have you learned from them?
Stan Watts, Pete Witbeck, Norm Chow, Jim Haney, Linda Bruno, Jeff Hurd, and Karl Benson. These along with my peers and colleagues. I continue to learn from everyone I work with each day. All these mentors always emphasized the importance of honesty, treating others with respect, and always strive to do things the right way.
*What advice would you give someone interested in a career in college athletics administration?
Volunteer, be open to any task or project, and available to moving to wherever the opportunities present themselves.
*Favorite Binge-Worthy Show
Lincoln Lawyer
*Favorite Fast Food
Wendy’s
*Your Own Greatest Sporting Moment as a Coach or Player?
Hit game winning shot over rival high school team.
*Your favorite team or athlete of all time and why?
Kresimir Cosic, Naismith Hall of Fame basketball player. He was an incredible basketball player and very influential in his home country of Croatia, throughout Europe, and to those he touched here in American.