Air Force Academy selects new Athletic Director

The United States Air Force Academy says it has tentatively selected James A. Knowlton to be its next Athletic Director.

Knowlton has served as the Athletic Director at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY for the past seven years.

Dr. Hans Mueh, the current Athletic Director will retire effective January 31, 2015.

“We were extremely pleased to receive applications from many highly qualified candidates, which following our deliberate process, resulted in an exceptional group of finalists,”Mueh said. “Mr. Jim Knowlton demonstrated the right level of intensity and experience, while still understanding the unique military culture at our United States Air Force Academy. He will balance the demands of the NCAA business with our absolute necessity to win with character. He brings a fresh perspective, but knows the importance of athletics to all of our cadets, not just intercollegiate cadet-athletes. I am confident he will set a culture and climate aligned with our core values. I look forward to him joining our team.”

“I am incredibly excited by the honor and privilege of serving as the director of athletics at the Air Force Academy and the opportunity to join an exceptional team and first-class community, on and off base,” Knowlton said. “I want to thank Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson and the search committee for their invitation to join the Academy family, and I am eager to work with the Falcon cadet-athletes, coaches and staff. My family and I are very much looking forward to what lies ahead.”