LOGAN, Utah – After a national search, Utah State University Interim President Alan L. Smith has named Cameron Walker as the next vice president and director of athletics. Walker will begin at Utah State on October 6, 2025.
He brings extensive administrative experience to Utah State, having held key roles at the University of Tennessee, University of Central Florida (UCF) and Utah Valley University. Most recently, he served as senior deputy director of athletics and chief strategy officer at Tennessee since November 2024, gaining additional responsibility as the executive director of the UT Athletics Foundation in July 2025. Walker joined the Volunteers in January 2021 as deputy director of athletics for competitive excellence.
“Cameron is a highly regarded athletic administrator who knows what it takes to foster department-wide success in the new era of intercollegiate athletics,” said Smith. “His breadth and depth of experience, local ties, and legal background make him the perfect individual to lead us into the reimagined Pac-12 and to write the next chapter for USU Athletics.”
In his role as senior deputy director of athletics and chief strategy officer, he developed and implemented strategic initiatives to support the overall success and growth of the athletics program, while providing oversight for a broad range of key areas, including compliance and legal affairs, facilities and grounds, event operations, sports administration, and initiatives related to name, image and likeness (NIL). Walker served as the sport administrator for the Vols’ football team since joining the athletics department and held the same role for men’s basketball from 2021 to 2023.
“I am honored by the opportunity to lead Utah State Athletics and to continue building on the department’s positive momentum as it integrates into the Pac-12,” said Walker. “Utah State has a promising future and significant potential, and I look forward to helping bring that vision to life. My family and I are excited to get to Cache Valley.”
Before joining the Volunteers, he worked as the executive associate athletics director for compliance alongside current Tennessee Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White at UCF, accompanying White from Orlando to Knoxville.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to University of Tennessee Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White, UT Chancellor Donde Plowman, and the Tennessee coaches and staff for their trust and support over the past few years,” said Walker. “I am also deeply appreciative of Utah State University Interim President Alan Smith and the committee for their thoughtful consideration and dedication throughout this process.”
Walker arrived at UCF in July 2018 and served in the role of senior associate athletics director before his promotion to executive associate athletics director. He managed compliance, serving as the lead compliance contact for the football program, and oversaw drug testing for the athletics department. Additionally, Walker served as a member of the athletics executive staff and was a member of the compliance and ethics advisory committee, while also working as the athletics liaison to student development and enrollment services.
“I am grateful to our search committee and those who contributed to shaping our vision for USU Athletics,” said Smith. “Their efforts infused the search process with tremendous energy and helped attract exceptional national interest. We can all take pride in the outstanding outcome of this search, and I look forward to our broader community supporting Cameron’s success as we work together to elevate USU Athletics.”
Before his time in Orlando, he held the role of the associate athletics director at Utah Valley University, overseeing compliance, academic performance, student-athlete development and the student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC). Walker was instrumental in numerous department-wide improvements, including the addition of staff positions, upgrading the Wolverine Service Center, launching professional development initiatives, and executing various plans to boost academic progress. Funding for these efforts was obtained through multiple NCAA SSF and AASP grants, which Walker authored, managed and oversaw.
He held several campus leadership roles at UVU, including Title IX deputy coordinator, student affairs senator for the Professional Association of Campus Employees, and team lead for a committee that reviewed departments and recommended improvements. Walker also taught as an adjunct professor, covering business law, contract drafting, legal research and writing, student leadership, and student success. He earned his juris doctorate, graduating cum laude from the University of Arkansas.
Walker, a native of Rexburg, Idaho, was a baseball student-athlete at Ricks College and Southern Virginia. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Southern Virginia in 2007, where he was a team captain and two-time Academic All-American. He later worked as an assistant coach.
Walker and his wife, Heather, have one daughter, Aleksandra, and three sons: Hudson, McCann and Jackson.
Walker will be officially introduced at a news conference later this week. The university will announce event details soon.
Utah State’s vice president and director of athletics reports directly to the president and serves on the university’s senior leadership team. Walker will oversee all aspects of USU’s athletic department, including personnel, academic and athletic success, budgets, facilities, operations, fundraising, compliance and student-athlete welfare. He will ensure adherence to all university, NCAA and conference regulations. USU sponsors 16 NCAA Division I sports programs.
The university worked with search firm Collegiate Sports Associates Executive Search & Consulting to collect applications and vet candidates.
What they are saying about Cameron Walker:
“Tennessee’s loss is Utah State’s gain! I couldn’t be more happy for Cam, Heather, and their amazing family, but I’m even happier for Aggie Athletics, and all of its various constituencies. Cam is a talented leader who will undoubtedly bring Utah State to a whole new level. He has been an enormous part of our success in rebuilding Tennessee in so many ways. His experience, skillset, and passion for college athletics will serve Utah State and the Logan community exceptionally well!”
– University of Tennessee Vice Chancellor & Director of Athletics, Danny White
“Utah State hit a home run with this hire! Cam’s work ethic, critical thinking skills and his ability to navigate complex challenges have prepared him well for this opportunity. Cam brings with him the perspective and leadership needed to elevate Aggie Athletics, and I look forward to watching the great impact he will make in Logan. Congratulations to Cam, Heather and the kids on this exciting next chapter!”
– University of Pittsburgh Director of Athletics, Allen Greene
“Cam Walker is truly one of the bright young stars emerging to help lead college athletics forward through this historic period of change. He’s a forward-thinker and will engage well with all stakeholder groups. Inspiring hire by the leadership of Utah State University.”
– University of Oklahoma Vice President and Director of Athletics, Joseph R. Castiglione
“Cam Walker is an outstanding individual, a thoughtful leader and he will do an extraordinary job at Utah State. The student athletes, the coaches and the community are lucky to have him lead their outstanding program.”
– University of North Carolina Director of Athletics, Bubba Cunningham