We are pleased to announce that longtime UC San Diego Director of Athletics Earl Edwards has been appointed as Athletic Director Emeritus, and will continue to serve as Special Adviser to the Chancellor.
This new role will enable Edwards to build on his legacy, drive growth and excellence in our athletics programs and further solidify our position as a leading, nationally recognized Division I program. He will continue to provide strategic executive leadership and as a consultant to the Chancellor, while also focusing on key areas such as fundraising and community engagement.
With a focus on fostering a culture of excellence, Edwards will also oversee the development and implementation of fundraising initiatives that promote student-athlete success, fan engagement and community outreach. Edwards will work in coordination and collaboration with the Chancellor, Athletic Director, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life and Advancement team on developing and implementing strategic plans to advance the university's fundraising for the NCAA Division I athletics programs. He will play a vital role as a consultant to the Chancellor, providing guidance and expertise on matters such as Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).
With more than 25 years of dedicated service to our university as Director of Athletics, Edwards has been instrumental in shaping the vision and direction of our athletics programs, leading the department to unprecedented success and growth. The university’s athletics program has undergone remarkable progression from NCAA Division III to Division II, and ultimately to Division I. Under Earl Edwards’ guidance, the program successfully navigated the transition from Division II to Division I, earning numerous national championships, conference titles and academic accolades along the way. Notably, the Triton baseball team won the Big West title in 2023, and both men's and women's basketball programs won the Big West and competed in the NCAA Tournament in their first year of postseason eligibility in 2025. Edwards has also been recognized individually, being named one of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Athletics Directors of the Year in 2007 and 2017 and serving on various national and regional committees. His leadership and vision have transformed the UC San Diego athletics program, and his legacy continues to shape the university's athletic landscape.
We are pleased that Edwards has accepted this new role and are grateful for his ongoing commitment to the success of our scholar-athletes, our athletics program, and our institution. His tireless efforts and unwavering dedication have been instrumental to our recent successes, and we look forward to his continued contributions in this new capacity.
UC San Diego will launch a national search for a Director of Athletics in the next few weeks.
Please join me in congratulating Earl on his expanded role and recognize his continued commitment as a transformative leader of UC San Diego Athletics.
