USD Welcomes Kimya Massey as New Executive Director of Athletics

The University of San Diego welcomes Kimya Massey as Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Athletics. Massey, who takes over for Interim Director of Athletics and Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer Ky Snyder, comes to the University of San Diego from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon where he currently serves as Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer, a position he's held since December of 2021.

"At a time when the collegiate athletics environment couldn't be more complex, I'm excited to have Kimya Massey at the helm of Torero Athletics," said University of San Diego President James T. Harris III, DEd. "After an exhaustive national search, it's clear that Kimya is uniquely qualified to support the next generation of student-athletes at USD. His vast experience and character perfectly align with our vision of a program focused on developing student-athletes who graduate from USD prepared to lead and serve society as changemakers who will confront humanity's urgent challenges."

Over nine years at Oregon State, Massey's tenure has been marked by transformative work in student-athlete development. Under his leadership, the program earned national recognition for excellence, encompassing sub-programs dedicated to student-athlete development, intern placement, graduate admissions, sustainability initiatives, mental health support, professional sport development, and DEIB initiatives.

Furthermore, Massey managed of a team of nearly 50 athletics staff members, including his role as Sports Administrator for Football, Men's Basketball, Baseball and Wrestling.

"I am excited and humbled at the opportunity to be the next Executive Director of Athletics at the University of San Diego," said Massey. "I want to sincerely thank President Harris for entrusting me with this opportunity and for his authenticity throughout this process, as well as to all the great people I have met thus far. I am inspired and thrilled to be a part of an incredible university, athletic department and community. I look forward to working with the staff and coaches who create lifelong experiences that impact student-athletes, fans and supporters."

At Oregon State, Massey oversaw athletic department capital projects and event management, including the successful completion of the Reser Stadium project, valued at $161 million overall. He actively engaged in all aspects of conceptual and structural design for new Athletics facilities with focused efforts in fundraising, working closely with head coaches and foundation staff that have resulted in $5 million in gifts and paved the way for pending capital projects valued at over $50 million.

Notably, Massey championed the ExpOSUre NIL program for all Oregon State student-athletes. This initiative navigates the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness regulations, ensuring compliance with NCAA and state guidelines, while maximizing opportunities for student-athletes through collaborations with university marketing, external sponsorship groups, and collectives.

Since 2020, Massey has served as Chief Diversity Officer for Athletics at Oregon State. In this capacity, he acted as the athletic department liaison for the President and Provost's Leadership Council for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice, and played a pivotal role in initiatives such as the Dam Change and Real Talk programs, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within the athletic and student-athlete community in Corvallis.

Prior to his arrival at Oregon State, Massey served as the University of Central Florida's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services for Student-Athletes from 2011-15. During this time, he achieved remarkable success, with the Knights setting numerous school records for academic achievement, including a Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 95 percent, the highest in the country for Division I public institutions.

From 2009-11, Massey served as the Assistant Director at the Center for Athletic Academic Services at the University of Memphis. He also dedicated three years to Indiana University, holding the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Services, following the beginning of his professional career in Athletics as an academic advisor and assistant Lifeskills director at Michigan State University.

Massey earned degrees in anthropology and sociology in 2000 from Michigan State and a master's in kinesiology with an emphasis on sports administration from Michigan State University, where he also distinguished himself as a four-year letterman pitcher for the Spartans.

Massey, along with his wife, Rose, and their two dogs, look forward to exploring all parts of the vibrant San Diego community.