BOSTON, MA– Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Recreation, Dr. Jacqueline Schuman, has announced the selection of AJ Lewis as the Assistant Athletic Director for Development at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
"I am extremely excited to welcome AJ to the UMass Boston family! He has a history of building deep personal relationships and connecting with various constituent groups to help drive revenue and philanthropic support at each university he has served," said Schuman. "I know that AJ's contributions to our team will help us as we continue to strive to reach our vision of becoming the top public NCAA DIII program in the nation."
Lewis arrives on the harbor campus following three years serving as the Director of Athletic Development at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) in Harrogate, Tennessee. As the primary development officer in athletics, Lewis worked closely with senior administration and head coaches to implement a strategic fundraising plan encompassing major gifts, annual funds, and event-based fundraisers. Additionally, Lewis helped develop and lead the Athletic Advisory Committee, which aided in securing philanthropic support for LMU Athletics and led the annual Hall of Fame ceremony and Golf Tournament.
"I would like to thank the search committee members for their time, consideration, and service to the university," said Lewis. "It was clear in my interactions with all involved that the administration in place is very passionate about UMass Boston Athletics and positioned well to continue advancing the university and department to new heights. I would also like to thank Dr. Jacqueline Schuman for this opportunity. The leadership she provides for the Department of Athletics & Recreation and the university is evident. My family and I are blessed and excited to return to New England and join the UMass Boston family."
In his new role, Lewis will be responsible for coordinating and executing the annual fundraising and stewardship program for UMass Boston Athletics, executing the annual Beacons Golf Classic and the UMass Boston Hall of Fame. Additionally, he will work closely with our head coaches to help grow philanthropic support for our 19 NCAA DIII programs on campus. He will also provide guidance and leadership for the Beacons Day of Giving.
Before LMU, Lewis served as the General Manager of Ticket Sales for Learfield IMG in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There, he led the outbound sales efforts for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he oversaw sales and outreach efforts for football, men's basketball, women's basketball, wrestling and softball.
From March 2016 to September 2018, Lewis was the Director of Ticket Operations for the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire. There, he was responsible for all aspects of ticket sales and service and provided leadership over the ticket office, which generated $2,000,000 in revenue for the 2016- 2017 season.
"In my short time on campus, all my interactions were amazing. From staff members and administrators to our current student-athletes, a great vibe on campus resonated with me. The opportunity to continue to build and grow the Beacon brand in New England and across the country is exciting. I cannot wait to start meeting and building relationships with our great alumni."
Lewis holds a Master of Science in Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management with a minor in Coaching and Business Management from Limestone College in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Lewis begins his new role on May 28th.
--ROLL BEACS--
