Campus News

New Athletic Director to Join Juniata College This Summer

(Posted April 8, 2026)

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James S. “Jimmy” McCumber

James S. “Jimmy” McCumber

HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata College athletic department is pleased to announce the hiring of James S. “Jimmy” McCumber as its next Director of Athletics, following a nationwide search. A former two-sport athlete at Vassar College and proven leader with substantive experience in fundraising, athletic administration, and compelling student-athlete outcomes, McCumber will assume his new role this summer. 

“We are extremely excited to welcome Jimmy and his wife, Danielle, and their two children, Katie and Evan, to the Juniata community. Jimmy’s intellect, entrepreneurial spirit, high character, demonstrated fundraising experience, and his keen ability to partner with faculty and staff was evident to us throughout the process,” said President James A. Troha.” I am really looking forward to working with him.” 

McCumber joins Juniata after five successful years at Marymount University, where he served as the Associate Athletic Director for Development. During his tenure, he led  significant growth in new gifts and pledges for the athletic department. His responsibilities also included oversight of corporate sponsorships, alumni engagement initiatives, and the establishment of an endowment dedicated to the advancement of women’s athletics. Additionally, McCumber provided sport oversight for the men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s wrestling programs at Marymount University. Throughout McCumber’s time on campus, Marymount programs captured 40 conference championships and made 18 NCAA tournament appearances. He also played a key role in the university’s feasibility study and subsequent addition of men’s and women’s wrestling. Furthermore, McCumber also served on the Marymount University Board of Trustees Advancement Committee. 

"I would like to thank President Troha and the entire search committee for their guidance throughout the process,” said McCumber. “I met so many outstanding people on campus- including coaches, athletic administrators, faculty and senior leadership, and I can’t wait to work with all of them to elevate our Eagle teams." 

Prior to his time with the Saints, McCumber spent seven years at Bridgewater College where he rose to the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Media Relations. In this role, he supervised athletic operations staff, coordinated departmental responsibilities, and led marketing and sponsorship efforts. He also oversaw all team fundraising projects that set new records for total giving and athletic giving in each of his final four years at Bridgewater. In addition to these responsibilities, McCumber oversaw all aspects of media relations, including significant expansion of the department’s social media presence. He also founded the department’s annual “Golden Eagle Awards,” recognizing student-athlete and team achievements.  

"I am incredibly excited to join the Juniata family and to work with successful student-athletes who exhibit leadership all across campus,” said McCumber. “So much of what I learn about Juniata reminds me of the reasons I chose to pursue athletics at a Division III liberal arts school- the true sense of community, and the ability to compete at a high level while developing the transferrable skills to thrive in any career endeavor." 

Before his time at Bridgewater, McCumber made stops at Sweet Briar College and Albright College as their Sports Information Director and also spent time at Misericordia University as their Assistant Sports Information Director.  

A former student-athlete, McCumber earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Vassar College, where he was a four-year member of the men’s soccer team and also competed in track and field. He went on to earn a Master of Sport Administration degree from Ohio University.  

He will join the Juniata community alongside his wife Danielle, and their two children, Katie and Evan. 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.