UC Riverside men’s basketball coach Jim Wooldridge has been named Interim Athletics Director, announced today by Interim Chancellor Jane Close Conoley.

Wooldridge, who has been at UCR for the past six years, is a longtime coach and university administrator with significant experience in NCAA Division I athletics.

"I’m pleased to name Coach Jim Wooldridge as our Interim Athletics Director," said Conoley. "Through his service to his scholar-athletes and to the UCR community, Jim has stressed the best aspects of learning, competition, and achievement. He will be a significant resource for the university and the department as we move forward."

Wooldridge has nearly 400 career coaching wins, and has served as head coach at Kansas State, Louisiana Tech, Texas State, and Central Missouri. He also served as an assistant with the NBA’s Chicago Bulls.

Wooldridge will step down from his role as Head Coach of men’s basketball, with current assistant Dennis Cutts to be made Interim Head Coach.

Wooldridge said he welcomes this new professional challenge.

"I’m so excited about the future of UCR Intercollegiate Athletics, and by Interim Chancellor Conoley’s confidence in me," said Wooldridge. "I’ve been a proud member of UCR Athletics for the past six years and am very happy to take on a more global role with the campus."

Both Conoley and Wooldridge reiterated their support for the construction of the C-Center, a planned multi-use arena to be located at UCR. The project is now under review, with proposals from developers being evaluated. Announcement of a winning bid could come as early as September.

Conoley stressed the importance of athletics to campus life and the goals of the UCR strategic plan. "Our strategic plan calls for an enhanced commitment to our student-athletes, student body and fans. We look forward to winning teams in state-of-the-art facilities. We hold the same ambitions for every part of UCR. We are all on the path to pre-eminence."

UCR Athletics has gained momentum recently with strengthened fundraising and community relations activities, new upgrades to facilities, and aggressive new marketing.

Wooldridge replaces Brian Wickstrom, who recently resigned to accept the AD position at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Conoley pledged to begin a national search for a permanent Athletics Director as soon as possible.

The UC Riverside Highlanders compete in 17 sports at the NCAA Division I level, the highest level of collegiate competition in the country. UC Riverside is a member of the Big West Conference.