FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (June 30, 2025) - Northern Arizona University President José Luis Cruz Rivera has announced the appointment of Uri Farkas as the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, ushering in a new chapter for Lumberjack Athletics. Farkas, who has served as NAU's Deputy Athletic Director since 2019, has been leading the department as Interim Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics since March 1. During his interim tenure, Lumberjack Athletics captured nine conference championships and a record high 3.45 department wide GPA, continuing the department's upward trajectory.
Under Farkas' leadership, NAU recorded its highest giving year ever in 2024-2025, surpassing $4 million in philanthropic support. The department also achieved six consecutive years of $1 million-plus in annual giving and secured groundbreaking partnerships, including a 10-year naming rights deal with Findlay Toyota for the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome field and court and a record-setting comprehensive partnership with Desert Financial Credit Union. He also helped finalize a seven-year agreement with Northern Arizona Healthcare to support the Michael E. Nesbitt Sports Medicine Center.
"Since stepping into the interim role, Uri has led with integrity, energy, and vision—qualities that have galvanized excellence across Lumberjack Athletics," said NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera. "His leadership will bring continued momentum and success to NAU Athletics, and I look forward to all that Uri will accomplish in advancing the excellence of our programs and supporting the success of our student-athletes."
Farkas, a native of Eugene, Oregon, has held leadership roles at Washington State, Cal, and the University of Oregon, before coming to Flagstaff as the Senior Associate Athletic Director in 2018.
"I would like to thank President Cruz Rivera and the Arizona Board of Regents for the opportunity to lead NAU Athletics." said Farkas. "Having developed great roots in the Flagstaff community, this is an incredible moment for me and my family. We look forward to taking this solid foundation of excellence and continuing to build to towards the future."
Farkas holds a master's degree in athletic administration from The Ohio State University and a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Montana. He and his wife, Megan, have been married for 22 years and are proud parents of three: Reese, Tate, and Bodie.
Farkas will officially assume his role as Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics on July 1, 2025, pending approval of the Arizona Board of Regents. His official introductory press conference is set for Wednesday, July 9
th at the Parsons Family Auditorium in the Student-Athlete High Performance Center on campus, starting at 11:00am local Flagstaff time. The press conference will also be streamed at
www.NAUAthletics.com/watch.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
"What a great day for NAU Athletics! Uri Farkas and his awesome family absolutely love NAU, Flagstaff and the state of Arizona which will positively contribute to navigating the current landscape in college athletics. He has the experience, passion and teambuilding skills to lead NAU Athletics to even greater athletic and academic success. While I feel great for the Farkas family, I'm even more excited for the coaches, staff, student-athletes and Lumberjack supporters. GO JACKS!"
Mike Marlow – NAU Athletic Director 2017 - 2025
2022 FCS Athletic Director of the Year
"Uri always put the student-athlete first. He made sure we had the support and resources to succeed, not just on the court but in the classroom, community and beyond. His leadership truly elevated the standard of NAU"
Carson Towt – NAU Men's Basketball
2020 – 2025
"Uri's best skill is his ability to hold authentic relationships that last. He has experience across various institutions; those experiences make him the great leader he is. Uri is a superstar!"
Ashwin Puri – Athletic Director, La Salle University
"Uri Farkas has been an incredible partner and leader in college athletics revenue generation and NIL. He is constantly looking for ways to innovate and develop the student-athlete experience. Congratulations from the entire Learfield team!"
Solly Fulp – Executive Vice President Learfield
"Uri Farkas has consistently gone out of his way to support student-athletes, not just in our roles as athletes, but on a personal level as well. He has always gone above and beyond to advocate for women's sports, whether it is the Big Sky Basketball Tournament, stopping by practice, or just checking in. We know he will continue to invest in the student-athlete experience and make sure NAU student-athletes feel heard, supported, and valued."
Nyah and Olivia Moran – NAU Women's Basketball 2020-25
"This is a monumental day in NAU Athletics history. Uri's ability to build impactful relationships and his passionate leadership will take our department to new heights in the ever-changing world of college athletics. I speak on the behalf of all our athletic teams; we are committed to following his vision and his unwavering commitment to NAU and the Flagstaff Community. Go Jacks!"
Brian Wright – NAU Head Football Coach
"
Uri Farkas is an innovative and trustworthy leader who understands the importance of people. He leads with integrity, is incredibly personable, and fosters a family-oriented atmosphere that makes NAU a special place to work and compete. His commitment to supporting coaches, staff, and student-athletes creates a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered. NAU Athletics is in great hands under Uri's leadership, and I'm excited for the future of our department with him at the helm."
Laura Dinkins – NAU Head Women's Basketball Coach / NAU Athletics Hall of Fame member and Women's Basketball student-athlete alumni (2003-2008)
