FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (January 27, 2026) — After nearly eight years of service at Northern Arizona University, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Uri Farkas will step down from his role.
Farkas has served as NAU's Athletic Director for the past 12 months and previously held the role of Deputy Athletic Director.
"I will always be a strong advocate and supporter of Lumberjack Athletics and Northern Arizona University," said Farkas. "At this time, I need to step away and focus on my physical and mental health, as well as the overall well-being of my family. They have been my number one supporters, and I look forward to spending more time with them as I explore my next opportunity."
Farkas assumed the role of Athletic Director, on an interim basis, in March of 2025 following the retirement of then-Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Marlow. Farkas was formally appointed Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics on June 30, 2025, ushering in a new chapter for Lumberjack Athletics.
Farkas joined NAU Athletics in 2018, serving under his mentor, Marlow, as Deputy Athletic Director. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping the department's strategic direction, with a focus on record-setting fundraising, innovative revenue generation, and proactive preparation for the evolving revenue-sharing landscape in collegiate athletics.
"Uri Farkas has been a dedicated champion for Northern Arizona University and Lumberjack Athletics," said NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera. "His leadership and unwavering commitment to our student-athletes, the university, and greater Flagstaff community has strengthened NAU in lasting ways and helped build a strong foundation for the future. I am grateful for his service and wish Uri and his family the very best in their next chapter."
Under Farkas' leadership, NAU Athletics recorded a historic fundraising year exceeding $4 million, the highest single-year total in department history. He oversaw 11 conference championships as Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, while the Lumberjacks captured a total of 73 conference titles and five national championships during his overall tenure at the university.
Farkas also led successful head coaching searches in football and women's basketball and guided the department to all-time academic achievements, including a 994 APR and a fall term GPA of 3.39, the department's highest fall semester GPA on record.
