Shawn Farrell, an accomplished administrator with more than 13 years of experience in collegiate athletics, has been named Cal State San Bernardino’s new athletic director.
Farrell, who will start on July 1, replaces Morgan Walker, who served as the university’s interim director of athletics for nearly a year, said Brian Haynes, vice president for student affairs at CSUSB.
“We are so excited that Shawn Farrell, an experienced athletic administrator, will join the CSUSB team as director of athletics,” said Haynes.
Farrell said he was equally excited to be coming to CSUSB.
“I want to thank President (Tomás) Morales, Dr. Haynes, Dr. (Doug) Freer and the hiring committee for this opportunity,” said Farrell. “I am very much looking forward to building a competitive athletic program that focuses on the student athletes, and making sure they are successful in the classroom, in competition and in the community.”
Farrell brings a unique combination of expertise in athletics, law and coaching. His previous roles include appointments at the University of Washington and Seattle University, where he served as interim director and associate director of athletics.
At Seattle University, Farrell was instrumental in the successful transition from NCAA Division II to Division I. As interim director, he oversaw the daily operations of the athletics department as well as the department capital campaign strategic plan. In addition, Farrell created new initiatives to increase student engagement and managed several successful sport programs.
A native of Seattle, Farrell received his bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in marketing, from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. Farrell also attended Sonoma State University, a fellow California Collegiate Athletic Association member, and competed on its acclaimed soccer program as a student-athlete.
He holds a juris doctor degree from the University of Washington School of Law. In addition, Farrell was a practicing lawyer for several years in Seattle before transitioning his career to athletics.
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