Bio Jim Schaus
Jim Schaus was named Ohio Director of Athletics on April 7, 2008, by former Ohio University President Dr. Roderick McDavis. Now entering his 11th year leading the Bobcats, he has ushered Ohio Athletics into unprecedented levels of championship success, academic excellence and national prominence.
Schaus has established one of the most consistent and successful athletic programs in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Ohio football has become one of the nation's most recognizable programs, being bowl eligible 10 straight years (most in the MAC) and participating in nine (9) bowls in the past 10 years with multiple bowl championships. Ohio men's basketball has the most NCAA tournament victories in the MAC over the past decade (3) with a 2010 win and 2012 NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Schaus' track record of success has extended throughout Ohio's sport programs. Ohio Women's Basketball has experienced its best years in program history -- including two MAC Championships (2015, '16), an NCAA Tournament appearance and the program's first WNIT appearance. Ohio Volleyball has won seven MAC Championships and appeared in five NCAA Championships under the direction of two different head coaches. In addition, Ohio Baseball (2015, '17) and Ohio Softball (2014, '18) both earned MAC titles
While Ohio student-athletes have been succeeding in competition, they have also been excelling in the classroom at levels rarely seen in Division I athletics. Ohio boasts an impressive Graduation Success Rate of over 88 percent. The department's federal graduation rate annually exceeds that of the general Ohio University student population. Bobcat student-athletes have enjoyed an accumulative GPA over 3.1 in all 11 years of his tenure, with over 300 student-athletes typically posting over a 3.0 GPA each semester. In 2017-18, 12 of the 16 sports recorded a perfect 1000 NCAA Academic Performance Rate (APR) with the department average above 980.
In support of this academic and athletic excellence, Schaus has been at the forefront of increasing revenue and balancing the Ohio Athletics budget. He inherited a $2.3 million budget shortfall, which has been transformed into a balanced budget for each of the last 11 consecutive years. Under Schaus' leadership, the department has set all-time revenue records in ticket sales, fundraising, corporate sponsorships, licensing and concessions sales.
Among the many fundraising projects for new facilities initiatives by Schaus include the Sook Academic Center/Peden Stadium north end zone building, the 90,000-square foot Walter Fieldhouse indoor practice facility, a variety of locker room projects, strength and conditioning center renovation, athletic training facility renovation, new softball stadium, plus new Peden Stadium and Convocation Center videoboards and sound systems.
At no point in Ohio history has interest and attendance been higher among fans, students and alumni. Ohio has become the standard-bearer for attendance in the MAC, leading in overall home attendance for the last four seasons. The Bobcats have consistently led the MAC in football, men's basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball attendance, with Ohio Volleyball's attendance ranking in the top 20 nationally. Schaus has also been a part of significantly increasing student attendance at home events.
Perhaps most importantly, Schaus has led a department with a strong commitment to integrity. Ohio is one of just 15 Division I FBS programs that have never been cited for a major NCAA violation. In addition, Schaus has earned a reputation as a leader within the NCAA, serving on several major committees during his time as an athletic director, including the NCAA Men's Basketball Selection Committee.
Prior to his time at Ohio, Schaus served as Director of Athletics at Wichita State University from 1999-2008, where he transformed Wichita State into the preeminent program of the Missouri Valley Conference and nationally. He orchestrated the fundraising and construction of Charles Koch Arena and all support facilities. All-time revenues were achieved for the department during his tenure. The many athletic successes included a transformation of the men's basketball program including a NCAA Sweet 16 appearance and hiring of successful coaches. In addition, he guided four-straight Missouri Valley all-sports trophies during his tenure. For his leadership and vision, he was named the Division I Central Region AstroTurf AD of the Year at the 2007 NACDA convention.
Schaus came to Wichita State with an impressive background in athletics administration with stints at Oregon, Cincinnati, Texas-El Paso and Northern Illinois. Known for his excellent communication skills, attention to detail and team-building skills, Schaus has spent over 30 years in athletics administration, with a substantial emphasis in external relations and internal management. He worked as an intern for the NFL's New England Patriots, and after graduation worked as a publicity assistant for the LPGA Tour before serving as the Director of Marketing for the Washington Redskins.
Schaus came from an athletics family with his father, Fred, serving as athletic director at West Virginia University and head basketball coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, West Virginia and Purdue during his career.
Schaus received his master's degree in Athletics Administration from West Virginia University and has been honored as a distinguished alumnus by the university. Schaus earned his bachelor's degree from Purdue University.
Jim and his wife Priscilla have three grown children, Kevin, Diane and Laura, and reside in Athens.
