MORRISTOWN, NJ - May 11, 2026 – Saint Elizabeth University has officially appointed James Adams as the permanent Director of Athletics. Adams, who has served as the Interim Director of Athletics while simultaneously serving as the Head Men's Basketball Coach, will now oversee the long-term strategic vision and administrative operations for the University's 13-program athletics department.
Since assuming leadership of the athletics department, Adams has orchestrated a period of unprecedented growth and structural modernization. Most notably, he successfully navigated the department through two major conference transitions, moving into the Atlantic East before spearheading the University's high-profile entry into the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC), beginning in July 2027.
"James Adams has demonstrated steady leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to our student-athletes and the mission of Saint Elizabeth University while serving as Interim Director of Athletics," said Dr. Gary Crosby, President of Saint Elizabeth University. "Throughout this period of transition, he has earned the respect of our students, coaches, and campus community through his collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence. His vision for Eagle Athletics aligns strongly with our mission-centered values and our commitment to student success both on the field and in the classroom. I am confident that under James' leadership, our athletic programs will continue to grow in competitiveness, integrity, and impact."
A Legacy of Championship Culture
Adams' tenure has been defined by a commitment to discipline and high-level performance. As Head Men's Basketball Coach, he led the Eagles to the winningest season in program history and captured the 2024 United East Skye Division Championship—the first conference title in the men's basketball program's history. Under Adams' direction, the program has consistently produced All-Conference selections and professional-level talent.
"After a comprehensive national search, we are proud to select James Adams as our next Director of Athletics," said Dr. David Hill, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. "His proven leadership, commitment to student-athlete success, and vision for the future of our programs make him the right person to lead our department into its next chapter."
Academic Foundation and Vision
A native of West Orange, New Jersey, Adams brings a rigorous academic background to the administrative role. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Honors College, one of the top-ranked honors programs in the nation. Adams competed in the long and triple jump at the University of South Carolina. As part of the Gamecocks track and field team, he was selected to the SEC Academic Honor Roll following each of his four seasons. Under Adams' leadership, the Saint Elizabeth athletics department has achieved a 3.06 cumulative GPA, reflecting his commitment to the "student" in student-athlete.
"I am incredibly grateful to President Crosby and the Saint Elizabeth University community for the opportunity to lead the athletics department into this next chapter," said Adams. "My focus remains on elevating our departmental standard, ensuring our student-athletes have the resources to thrive as leaders, and cementing Saint Elizabeth as a premier destination for both competitive success and academic achievement in the Northeast."
Prior to his tenure at Saint Elizabeth, Adams built an extensive resume of success across the NCAA Division I and II levels. He served as the Video Coordinator at the University of Richmond under Head Coach Chris Mooney, where he was part of a staff that led the Spiders to a No. 2 finish in the Atlantic 10 standings during the 2019–20 season. While at Richmond, Adams worked directly with several student-athletes who went on to pursue professional basketball careers.
At the NCAA Division II level, Adams spent four seasons as the top assistant coach at Georgian Court University. In this capacity, he managed all aspects of player development and recruiting while building vital on-campus partnerships to support student-athlete success.
Adams currently resides in Hillside, New Jersey, with his wife, Brea, and daughter, Bella.
About Saint Elizabeth University Athletics
Saint Elizabeth University is a member of NCAA Division III and offers 13 varsity sports. The Eagles are committed to providing a high-quality athletics experience that fosters personal growth, academic achievement, and community engagement. For more information, visit SEUEagles.com.
