EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Well into his tenure leading the athletic department, Eastern Washington Associate Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Tim Collins is earning national recognition. Collins was named one of the Top 100 Athletic Directors in America by Silver Waves Media, announced today.
The Top 100 list is voted on by a large committee of search firms, agents, athletic directors, and industry executives.
Collins was hired in June of 2023 and has elevated EWU athletics since arriving in Cheney.
"While I'm appreciative of the recognition, any notoriety we receive is a reflection of our University leadership under President Shari McMahan and the collective effort of our coaches and staff," Collins said. "They continue to have an unwavering commitment to serving our student-athletes, serving our campus, and serving our community."
One of the first priorities for Collins was increasing fundraising for the athletics department to benefit student-athletes. Finishing up Collins' third year, EWU Athletics' self-generated revenue has grown by 25% and 26% in each of the last two years, respectively.
In 2024, EWU Athletics held its first Night of Champions fundraising event, raising over $150,000. Night of Champions has increased its revenue each of the last two years, with the 2026 event earning over $260,000 in donations.
Among the key projects Collins has led the effort on is securing a partnership with the University to replace the floor on Reese Court. The older court had not been replaced since its original installation in 1975.
Prior to the 2024 Football season, the Bud Light Endzone Sweats were added to Roos, expanding the premium seating options for fans.
The track at Roos Field is currently being resurfaced and will be ready for use when the 2026-27 year begins.
Collins has focused on building connections with the Eagle alumni base, and he led the effort to bring the athletics Hall of Fame inductions back. The EWU Hall of Fame has inducted three classes under Collins' leadership, with the most recent 2026 class of six individuals and the 2004 Football team.
At the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, EWU began a partnership with SWX to increase Athletics' contests on linear TV and expand regional media coverage.
Academics are another key pillar for Collins, and Eastern student-athletes have achieved a 3.0 cumulative GPA in each of the 11 quarters during his tenure. The athletic department's "Streak" of with a GPA above 3.0 is now extended to 56 quarters, spanning 19 years. The department also has a 91 percent graduation rate, 22 points higher than the Federal Graduation Rate.
About Silver Waves Media
Established in 2020, Silver Waves Media is dedicated to helping sports professionals and athletes advance their careers to the next stage. We have provided over 20,000 athletes and teams with professional-quality video highlights, our nationally renowned Impactful Lists have helped shine a light on coaches across the country, and we are recognized by universities and executives everywhere. Founded by Ryan Silver, the purpose of Silver Waves Media is to lift up others in the sports world and highlight the success and achievements of those around us. Ryan Silver is the founder of West Coast Elite Under Armour and West Coast Elite Basketball and is one of the most connected people in college sports.
Join the Eagle Athletic Fund for as low as $50 per year! Support Eagle student-athletes on and off the field while enjoying exclusive EAF perks such as season tickets and tailgating priority, invitations to special events, exclusive access, and more. Visit goeags.com/eaf for more information.
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.
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