Uri Farkas was officially named Northern Arizona University's Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics on June 30, 2025, by President José Luis Cruz Rivera, ushering in a new era of leadership for Lumberjack Athletics. A seasoned executive with 25 years of experience in higher education and college athletics, Farkas has already made a profound impact at NAU since arriving in 2017, including serving as Deputy Athletic Director since 2018.

Farkas took over as Interim Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics before his appointment and oversaw a continued run of championship-level success. Since assuming the interim role, NAU has claimed nine conference titles, contributing to a total of 71 championships during his tenure in Flagstaff. His strategic vision, relationship-building skill set, and focus on elevating the student-athlete experience have been key drivers of the department's growth.

A proven fundraiser and revenue generator, Uri Farkas has played an instrumental role in generating record-setting philanthropic and corporate support for Northern Arizona University Athletics. Under his leadership, NAU recorded its highest giving year in 2025, surpassing $4 million in donor contributions. This milestone capped off an impressive six-year stretch, during which over $1 million was raised annually.

Farkas also led the negotiation of several transformative corporate partnerships that have elevated the department's financial foundation and brand visibility. He secured a landmark 10-year naming rights agreement with Findlay Toyota, covering both the Skydome field and court—an unprecedented move in NAU's history. In addition, he finalized a 10-year deal with Desert Financial Credit Union, the single largest corporate partnership ever signed by NAU Athletics. Further enhancing an emphasis on the student-athlete experience, Farkas was integral in completing a seven-year partnership with Northern Arizona Healthcare, which directly supports the Michael E. Nesbitt Sports Medicine Center within the university's Student-Athlete High Performance Center.

Farkas also led initiatives that increased football and basketball season ticket sales by 260%, oversaw a revamped marketing and communications strategy, including social media development, and contributed to a new multi-year partnership with Game One/Adidas to outfit all Lumberjack programs.

Before joining the Lumberjack Family, Uri Farkas held key leadership roles at several of the nation's premier athletic departments, gaining a range of experience in fundraising, external relations, and student-athlete support. 

At Washington State University from 2014 to 2018, he served as Associate Athletic Director and Executive Director of the Cougar Athletic Fund. In that role, he implemented a comprehensive annual giving strategy that increased contributions by over $4 million, significantly expanded donor participation, and increased overall membership. He also collaborated closely with IMG to generate more than $2 million in new sponsorship revenue for Cougar Athletics.

In 2013, Farkas moved to the University of California, Berkeley, where he served as Assistant Athletic Director. There, he led a team responsible for more than $10 million in fundraising asks while managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and working in close partnership with university advancement and corporate sponsors. His leadership contributed to a highly successful development year and enhanced integration between athletics and campus-wide fundraising efforts.

From 2000 to 2013, Farkas held multiple roles at the University of Oregon, advancing through the ranks in athletics development, alumni relations, and academic support services. As Director of Development, he secured nearly $2 million in gifts and pledges in a single year. Earlier, as Associate Executive Director of the University of Oregon Alumni Association, he led engagement initiatives, including the planning and execution of record-setting alumni tours for the 2010 Rose Bowl and 2011 BCS National Championship Game. 

Farkas began his career at Oregon in student-athlete support, where he provided academic advising and recruiting assistance for the football and wrestling programs.

Farkas earned a Master of Arts in Athletic Administration from The Ohio State University in 2000 and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Montana in 1998. He is also an alumnus of the University of Oregon, where he completed additional undergraduate studies in Communication.

A proud Oregon native, Farkas has been married for 22 years to Megan (née Wilson) of Eugene. Together, they are the proud parents of three children: Reese (20), Tate (15), and Bodie (13).