The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has announced Andrea Williams as the new director of intercollegiate athletics, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Williams will assume her role on November 16.

UIC's athletic programs have experienced significant growth, focusing on student success and personal development. The appointment of Williams is seen as an opportunity to continue this progress while promoting academic excellence and social mobility for students.

Williams brings 25 years of experience in collegiate and professional sports administration. In 2016, she became the first African American woman to serve as an NCAA Division I conference commissioner. Her career includes leadership roles at the NCAA and College Football Playoff.

Currently, Williams is the chief experience officer for the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, overseeing eight business entities and managing a team of over 160 employees. She previously served as chief operating officer at College Football Playoffs in Dallas and held positions with the Big Sky Conference, Big Ten Conference, and NCAA.

Williams is recognized for her commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside her efforts to enhance UIC's student-athletes' social mobility. Her service extends to various boards such as Ohio University Sports Administration Alumni Advisory Board and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

Her educational background includes a degree in speech communications from Texas A&M University and a master's degree in sports administration from Ohio University.

The announcement concluded with gratitude towards the search committee members who participated in this national search process.

A press conference welcoming Andrea Williams will be held on Monday, November 4 at UIC Student Center East.