Aurora University has announced that James Hamad, currently Associate Director of Athletics for Student Development at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., will be the school's new Athletic Director. 

Hamad will join the university in late February.

Hamad has held a number of leadership positions in Division I collegiate athletics over the past decade, including roles at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Akron, directing initiatives that improve student performance in the classroom and on the playing field. At Pepperdine, he revamped the academic support system for the athletics program, which has led to the highest graduation success rate among southern California Division I institutions, and has been part of an athletics administration that won 17 conference championships.

Hamad has been involved with the National Football League-N4A Advisory Committee, which creates degree-completion opportunities for collegiate non-graduates who have pursued a professional sports career. He also serves on the N4A Finance Committee, which directs the resources of the association.

"I embrace this opportunity to work at an outstanding academic institution with a strong foundation of athletes, coaches and administrators," Hamad said. "Athletics is an integral part of the community at Aurora University, and I commend the outstanding work of my predecessors. I look forward to starting the next chapter of Spartan athletics."

Aurora University Provost Andrew Manion said, "I am very excited to have Jim join us. He impressed everyone here with his combination of professional background and NCAA experience, expertise and enthusiasm."

Hamad succeeds Mark Walsh, who retired this summer and was granted the status of Athletic Director Emeritus.