Columbia International University Athletics

Dr. James Whitaker began serving in the role of Faculty Athletics Representative in the summer of 2020 and is currently the Director of CIU's Sports Management program. Prior to his time in the faculty ranks Whitaker spent three years as the Director of Athletics for the Rams. 

Under Whitaker’s leadership, CIU athletics experienced significant growth.  He successfully led CIU through the transition into the NAIA as part of the Appalachian Athletics Conference. During his tenure, as Director of Athletics, Whitaker oversaw the addition of 6 new sports to bring the total number of sports to 14 at CIU.  In addition, under his leadership, the total number of student-athletes grew from 95 in 2016 to an  240 in 2020.  He has also oversaw the construction of three new athletic facilities including a new state-of-the-art, 8-lane Mondo track as well as new softball and baseball venues. 

Before moving in to administrative position with CIU Athletics, James served as the first CIU men’s soccer coach as well as assistant athletic director from 2011-2016.  Prior to coming to CIU, James was the athletic director at Clearwater Christian College. Under his direction, Clearwater won the prestigious President's Cup in 2011 from the NCCAA, an all-sports award given annually where points earned based on each team's finish at the NCCAA National Championships. He also led the men's soccer team to back-to-back NCCAA D2 National Championships in 2009 and 2010 and was twice named National Coach of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and also by the NCCAA.  In addition, Whitaker has served in a variety of leadership roles within the NCCAA including serving on the Board of Directors, South Region Chair, and National Vice-Chair for men’s soccer. 

James holds a PhD in sports management and organizational leadership from Concordia University in Chicago.  He earned a master's degree in health and exercise science from Furman University and a master's degree in educational leadership and undergraduate degree in math education from Bob Jones University. He and his wife Beth live in Columbia and have 5 children: Jillian, Madeline, Davis, Ellison, and Jackson.