Columbia International University (S.C.) announced Stefan Vasiloff as the fourth Director of Athletics in CIU history effective Jul. 1 of 2024. Vasiloff served as the interim Director of Athletics for the Rams since the early portion of December 2023.
In his interim capacity, Vasiloff spearheaded the completion of the press boxes and bleachers at both Miller Field and the CIU Softball Field. During the spring of 2024, he served as the host athletic director for the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the NCCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, and the NCCAA South Region Baseball Tournament.
Vasiloff commented on the weightiness of the position, saying, "I believe in the mission of CIU and the many examples of men and women who, over the years, relied on prayer and simple faith. They have always gripped me. I am extremely grateful to our President, Dr. Bill Jones, and to Dr. Rick Christman for believing in me. It is very humbling to be entrusted with this responsibility."
Vasiloff joined CIU Athletics under the tutelage of predecessor Darren Richie as the Assistant Athletic Director for Gameday Operations and Facilities after coming to the university as the special assistant to the president two years prior. Richie passed away unexpectedly during the fall semester after leading CIU Athletics to several years of unprecedented success, beginning in the 2020-2021 school year.
Vasiloff collected a wealth of diverse leadership experiences before his CIU tenure. He has served multiple years in Pastoral ministry, owned a small business, and flourished as an operations leader.
Vasiloff's experience in college athletics is extensive. He has spent a decade officiating men's basketball across several NCAA divisions (DII, DIII), NAIA, and JUCO conferences in the Midwest and Southeast United States.
His own athletic career is equally notable, as he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Ohio Christian University. As a three-year letter-winner from 2007-2010, Vasiloff is the fifth all-time leading scorer in Trailblazer's history, recording 1,773 career points. Vasiloff was a three-time Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA) All-American while being named a National Christian College Athletics Association (NCCAA) Division II All-American his senior season.
Vasiloff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master's Degree in Ministry & Practical Theology from Ohio Christian. He resides in Lexington, S.C., with his wife, Katie, and their four daughters.
What Others Are Saying About Stefan Vasiloff:
Bill Popp | Commissioner - Appalachian Athletic Conference: "I am excited for Stefan and know CIU made a great choice to keep their athletic programs moving in the same direction Darren Richie had envisioned. This past year, Stefan stepped into a challenging spot and led CIU Athletics with grace and professionalism, including hosting some very successful AAC and NCCAA events on their campus. I know he is ready to get back to work and get his teams ready for the 2024-25 season, and he knows he can count on the Conference Office for any help he may need".
Charles Bloom | Executive Associate Athletics Director/Chief of Staff - the University of South Carolina: "Congratulations to Stefan for being named Director of Athletics at CIU. He provides CIU Athletics with a passion for the mission of intercollegiate athletics, participation in sports providing life-long lessons to accompany the classroom education that colleges give. Stefan will be a fantastic leader for Rams athletics."
Dave Berline | Director of Championships - National Christian College Athletic Association: "Stefan brings a unique skill set from his time in the ministry to his time as a small business owner and, of course, his prestigious athletic background. But more importantly, he brings a love for CIU, the staff, and all the student-athletes! His desire to serve our Lord and impact the Kingdom through the platform of Intercollegiate Athletics is his greatest asset."
Pastor Darren Hileman | Life Groups Pastor, Christian Life Church: "Stefan is a man of honor and integrity. His love for God, family, and others is evident. He desires to create a culture of excellence for coaches and athletes. The CIU family is blessed to have him as the new athletic director."
