Since assuming the role of Director of Athletics at the University of Cincinnati in December 2019, John Cunningham has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding the Bearcats to unprecedented heights. His tenure, now in its fifth year, is marked by a string of remarkable achievements, solidifying his reputation as a transformative figure in collegiate athletics administration. Cunningham’s strategic vision and proactive approach have not only positioned the Bearcats for sustained success in the evolving landscape of college sports but have also significantly enhanced the university’s national profile.
One of Cunningham’s defining accomplishments is orchestrating the University of Cincinnati’s successful transition to the Big 12 Conference. Recognizing the immense opportunities and challenges presented by joining a Power Five conference, Cunningham spearheaded the charge, ensuring the Bearcats were “Day One Ready” to compete at the highest level. This foresight culminated in the launch of the ambitious $100 million Day One Ready fundraising campaign. This initiative focused on bolstering critical areas such as student-athlete wellness, upgrading athletic facilities, and securing essential operational resources. The campaign’s success is a testament to Cunningham’s fundraising prowess and his ability to rally stakeholders around a common goal.
The centerpiece of the Day One Ready Campaign, the $135 million Indoor Practice Facility and Performance Center, exemplifies Cunningham’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art resources for Bearcats student-athletes. This expansive complex, spanning over 200,000 square feet, is slated for completion in Spring 2025 and will feature a 120-yard football field, a cutting-edge weight room, a fueling station, and modern sports medicine offices. This facility represents a significant investment in the future of Cincinnati Athletics and will undoubtedly enhance the training environment for all sports programs.
Beyond facilities and conference realignment, John Cunningham has demonstrated astute leadership in personnel decisions. He restructured his leadership team to optimize both internal and external operations, bringing in key personnel to strengthen the athletic department’s infrastructure. His strategic coaching hires have also been instrumental in the Bearcats’ success. Cunningham appointed Wes Miller, a rising star in the coaching ranks, to lead the men’s basketball program. He also tapped Scott Satterfield, a proven winner with multiple conference coach of the year awards, to head the football program. Further demonstrating his commitment to UC traditions, Cunningham brought back UC alum Katrina Merriweather to lead the women’s basketball team. Adding to this impressive roster, he welcomed new head coaches Jordan Bischel (baseball), Erica Demers (women’s soccer), and Aimee Ponte (women’s golf) during the pivotal first year of Big 12 competition in the 2023-24 academic year. These coaching appointments reflect Cunningham’s ability to identify and attract top talent, ensuring competitive excellence across various sports.
Under John Cunningham’s leadership, the Cincinnati Bearcats have achieved unprecedented athletic success. The football program reached historic heights in 2021, securing a school-record 13 wins and a second consecutive American Athletic Conference Championship. This remarkable season culminated in a groundbreaking appearance in the College Football Playoff, making Cincinnati the first team from the Group of Five conferences to achieve this feat. Since 2020, the Bearcats football program boasts an impressive 34-15 record, along with two conference titles and 16 NFL draft selections, showcasing a consistent level of high performance. Similarly, the men’s golf program has experienced its most successful period in history under Cunningham’s watch, highlighted by the Bearcats’ first-ever NCAA Regional Championship appearance in 2023 and Ty Gingerich’s individual Big 12 Championship in 2024. These athletic milestones underscore Cunningham’s impact on fostering a winning culture and elevating the competitive standard of Cincinnati Athletics.
Recognizing the evolving landscape of college athletics, John Cunningham has proactively embraced Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes. He spearheaded the creation of IMPACT, a comprehensive NIL development program designed to empower Bearcats athletes. Cincinnati Athletics has emerged as a leader in the NIL space, forging innovative partnerships, including collaborations with Kroger on a groundbreaking female-only activation and with Jason and Travis Kelce’s popular podcast, New Heights, for a live event in 2024 that directed a significant portion of ticket sales towards NIL initiatives. Furthermore, Cincy Reigns, the official NIL partner of UC Athletics, collaborated with Rhinegeist Brewery to launch Cincy Light, a rapidly growing craft light lager. The national recognition of Cincinnati’s IMPACT program as the nation’s Best Institutional Program at the 2024 NIL Summit in Atlanta further solidifies Cunningham’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to student-athlete empowerment in the NIL era.
John Cunningham has also prioritized student-athlete well-being and academic achievement. He established the athletic department’s first Sports Psychology Department and Performance Nutrition Department, demonstrating a commitment to holistic student-athlete development. The hiring of Brad Pike as UC’s first Senior Associate AD for Health and Wellness further underscores this focus. Academically, Bearcats student-athletes have excelled under Cunningham’s leadership. In Spring 2024, they achieved an overall GPA of 3.4, with 30 earning academic all-district honors. In 2023, Cincinnati ranked first in the Big 12 and fifth nationally in Graduation Success Rate at an impressive 98%. Moreover, in 2022, six student-athletes earned Academic All-America accolades. These academic achievements highlight Cunningham’s commitment to fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive both on and off the field.
Prior to his transformative tenure at Cincinnati, John Cunningham amassed extensive experience in athletic administration at several prominent universities. He served as Deputy Athletics Director for Administration at the University of Minnesota from 2016-19, overseeing daily operations and major projects, including the Athletes Village. Before Minnesota, he held the same position at Syracuse University (2015-16). His career also includes significant roles at Boise State University (2011-2014) and Texas Christian University (2006-2011), where he honed his expertise in compliance and external relations. Cunningham began his career in collegiate athletics at the University of Maryland, reflecting a long-standing dedication to the field. His diverse experience and progressive career trajectory have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of modern college athletics administration.
John Cunningham’s leadership at the University of Cincinnati represents a period of significant growth and achievement for Bearcats Athletics. From navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to spearheading the transition to the Big 12, Cunningham has consistently demonstrated strategic vision, effective management, and a deep commitment to student-athlete success. His focus on fundraising, facility development, strategic coaching hires, NIL innovation, and student-athlete well-being has positioned Cincinnati Athletics for continued success and national prominence for years to come. John Cunningham’s impact extends beyond wins and losses, fostering a culture of excellence and setting a new standard for athletic administration at the University of Cincinnati.
