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BY ZOE LAM
Contributing Writer
The position of an athletic director is one of the most challenging and life changing jobs within collegiate athletics. For Steve Uryasz, the new athletic director at Tarleton State University, the journey to this position has been made by a combination of perseverance, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to developing his athletes, his programs and himself. His leadership comes at a monumental time as Tarleton continues its ambitious transition to NCAA Division I.
Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Uryasz’s early experiences with sports paved a strong path for his career. Growing up next to a YMCA, he imbedded himself in athletics from a young age, refereeing games and even working alongside his siblings, who sold concessions at local events.
“It was a family ordeal,” Uryasz said, recalling his upbringing.
Athletics was more than a hobby for the Uryasz family; it was a shared passion. His siblings went on to hold notable roles in sports administration: his sister was a high school athletics director at an all-girls school in Michigan and his brother worked for the NCAA and then owned the National Center for Drug Free Sports, further illustrating the family’s deep connection to the industry.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in sports, Uryasz learned the value of teamwork and shared goals. This is an attitude that he has carried into his role at Tarleton, where he has fostered a new sense of family within the athletics community.
“He’s truly been a blessing to me,” the assistant to the VP for athletics Terri Hardcastle said.
Despite his early experience, Uryasz didn’t initially set out to become an athletic director.
“If you’re asking me if I knew I wanted to be an AD (athletic director) early on, the answer is no,” Uryasz said.
Uryasz’s journey began in the academic side of things, tutoring student-athletes at the University of Nebraska. This role sparked his interest in the connection of education and sports, leading him to positions at Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and the University of West Virginia, where he took on increasingly diverse responsibilities, including academic programming, fundraising and administrative leadership.
While his career is now more focused on athletics, Uryasz never strayed far from the academic side, earning admiration from colleagues who appreciate his ability to bridge the gap between supporting student-athletes’ education and enhancing their athletic experiences.
Dr. Eileen Faulkenberry, the Tarleton Faculty Athletics Representative, particularly appreciates him for his effective communication.
“[Steve] is very personable. When you’re talking to him, it seems as if you are the most important thing to him in that moment even though he might have to do 15,000 other things to do. You are the most important person at that moment, which is an amazing skill to have,” Faulkenberry said.
One of the defining aspects of Uryasz’s career is his willingness to embrace challenges. He credits an early piece of advice “Take the job,” for shaping his approach.
“A lot of times people are waiting for the perfect job. There is no such thing,” Uryasz said.
This mindset led Uryasz to roles that might not have seemed ideal at the time but ultimately prepared him for greater responsibilities.
Transitioning from academic responsibilities and fundraising at Texas Tech allowed him to develop new skills and broaden his impact. Uryasz’s ability to adapt has become a staple throughout his career, resulting in his position as Tarleton’s athletic director.
Navigating the difficulties of collegiate athletics hasn’t been without its challenges. Uryasz has faced tough personnel decisions and the challenges of managing change within programs. He relies on a network of trusted peers for guidance, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mentorship.
“You always have people. That’s the theme in our business,” Uryasz said.
At Tarleton, balancing aspiration with realism is one of his primary challenges.
“You have to pick two or three projects and do those really well; you can’t have all 23 right away,” Uryasz said.
This approach is especially relevant as Tarleton establishes itself in Division I, where resources must be strategically assigned to ensure maintainable growth.
As a leader, Uryasz is committed to passing on the lessons he’s learned to his colleagues and student-athletes. He emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and building from there, particularly for new programs like Tarleton’s soccer team. His approach encourages patience and drive while maintaining high standards for success. Uryasz’s journey from academics to athletic administration serves as a blueprint for young professionals.
His advice is simple but reflective: “Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Take the job and build from there.”
Under Uryasz’s leadership, Tarleton State is well positioned to make its mark in Division I athletics. His vision for the program is ambitious yet realistic, focusing on both competitive success and the overall development of student-athletes.
“It’s about creating an environment where athletes can thrive in all aspects of their lives,” he said.
As he continues to lead Tarleton through this exciting chapter, Uryasz remains guided by the principles that have defined his career: adaptability, collaboration and a passion for sports. His journey beginning as a young boy refereeing games in Omaha, to an athletic director at a rising Division I program, serves as a demonstration to the power of perseveranceand the impact of thoughtful leadership.
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