Desiree Reed-Francois is set to become Arizona’s next athletics director, the university announced Monday, a job that will include ushering the Wildcats into the Big 12, as well as helping lift them out of a financial crisis. She will replace Dave Heeke, who parted with the university last month after nearly seven years as AD.
Reed-Francois’ hiring is pending approval by the Arizona Board of Regents.
Reed-Francois, 51, has worked in college sports administration since 1997. Most recently she served as the athletics director at UNLV (2017-2021) and Missouri (since 2021), where she became the first female AD at a public SEC school. During her time at Missouri, Reed-Francois brought in a record $62 million to the athletics department, according to The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Reed-Francois takes over during a troublesome time for Arizona. President Robert Robbins last fall told the Arizona Board of Regents the university had a $240 million budget miscalculation. Upon closer examination, an operation deficit of $177 million has been revealed.
The athletics department has lacked sustainable revenue growth for several years. To help fix the situation, Robbins has said layoffs, compensation freezes and other tough decisions are coming. Arizona starts Big 12 competition in the…
