Austin, Texas, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has appointed Dr. Jamey Harrison as its new executive director, taking over from Dr. Charles Breithaupt, who is retiring. This leadership change marks a pivotal moment for UIL, as Harrison, who has served as deputy executive director since 2011, brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities through athletics. He is set to start on April 1, 2025, aiming to uphold UIL’s core values while navigating the challenges facing high school sports today.
UIL Appoints Dr. Jamey Harrison as New Executive Director, Transition Marks a New Era for Texas High School Sports
Austin, Texas – The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has confirmed that Dr. Jamey Harrison will be the new executive director, effective April 1, 2025. This appointment marks a significant transition in leadership, as Harrison will succeed Dr. Charles Breithaupt, who has announced his retirement after nearly two decades in this position, with his official last day set for August 31, 2025.
This appointment signifies the beginning of a new era, as Dr. Harrison will be the eighth person to hold the title in the history of UIL. He has considerable experience in the role of deputy executive director since 2011, during which he oversaw all UIL departments and collaborated extensively with state lawmakers on critical legislative issues.
Dr. Harrison has a well-documented history of improving the UIL’s structure and operations. He played a crucial role in initiatives aimed at enhancing competitive equity among schools, including the introduction of a sixth conference and the establishment of separate Division I and II playoff brackets for various team sports. Moreover, he has advanced UIL’s reclassification process by utilizing mapping technology, which allows for a more accurate alignment of schools based on their geographic locations.
In addition to these organizational improvements, Dr. Harrison has managed UIL’s responses to significant weather events and was instrumental in navigating the organization’s strategy during the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. His experience also extends outside UIL, having previously served as the superintendent of schools for Bridge City Independent School District, augmenting his background as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal.
On the national stage, Dr. Harrison’s involvement with committees for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) demonstrates his commitment to high school sports beyond Texas. A graduate of Hardin-Jefferson High School, Dr. Harrison holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Lamar University and a doctorate from The University of Texas at Austin.
As the incoming executive director, Dr. Harrison reiterated his dedication to the UIL’s mission of providing educational opportunities through athletics. He aims to enhance the overall experience for Texas students and schools while preserving UIL’s core values, which emphasize fair and community-based competition grounded in education.
Background on UIL
The University Interscholastic League is the governing body for interscholastic athletic and academic competition in Texas schools. Established in 1910, UIL promotes education-based athletic events, engages students academically, and ensures that high school sports remain focused on student-athletes’ welfare and educational development.
Importance of Leadership Transition
Dr. Breithaupt’s tenure has shaped UIL’s activities and policies significantly, and his retirement comes at a time when high school sports continue to evolve in response to societal changes and the increasing significance of mental health awareness among student-athletes. Dr. Harrison’s extensive experience and established leadership within UIL should help ensure smooth continuity while seeking innovative approaches to contemporary challenges.
Future Directions
As Dr. Harrison takes the reins, he will likely face various challenges, including adapting UIL’s strategies to keep pace with technological advancements, fostering equitable competition, and responding to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in sports. His plans to engage with schools and communities will be crucial for driving UIL forward into this new era.
Conclusion
The appointment of Dr. Jamey Harrison as the new executive director of UIL heralds exciting times ahead for Texas high school sports. As he prepares to lead the organization, his commitment to educational values in sports will be a guiding principle as UIL continues to support and nurture student-athletes across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr. Jamey Harrison?
Dr. Jamey Harrison is the newly appointed executive director of the UIL, effective April 1, 2025. He has served as the deputy executive director since 2011 and has extensive experience in educational leadership.
What are Dr. Harrison’s primary accomplishments at UIL?
Dr. Harrison has significantly improved competitive equity through the introduction of a sixth conference and Division I and II playoff brackets, enhanced the reclassification process with mapping technology, and effectively managed UIL’s response during significant weather events and the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the UIL?
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is the governing body for interscholastic athletic and academic programs in Texas schools, aimed at promoting education-based competition and ensuring student welfare.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Executive Director | Dr. Jamey Harrison appointed, effective April 1, 2025 |
| Predecessor | Dr. Charles Breithaupt – retiring on August 31, 2025 |
| Prior Role | Deputy Executive Director since 2011 |
| Major Initiatives | Added sixth conference; Division I and II playoff brackets |
| Education | Bachelor’s and Master’s from Lamar University; Doctorate from UT Austin |
| Experience | Former superintendent, teacher, coach, and principal |
| Future Focus | Enhancing educational opportunities through sports while preserving UIL’s core values |
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Additional Resources
- Statesman: UIL-TX HS Sports Charles Breithaupt
- Wikipedia: University Interscholastic League
- Dallas News: Jamey Harrison Named UIL Executive Director
- Google Search: Texas high school sports
- LH Independent: Liberty Hill Resident Takes Reins at UIL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Athletics
- Texas HS Football: Jamey Harrison Named Next UIL Executive Director
- Google News: UIL Director
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