By Gerard Flanagan
Lead writer and communications specialist
Campbellsville University Office of Marketing and Communications
Jim Hardy is taking on a new role at Campbellsville University.
Hardy, currently serving as CU’s Director of Athletics, will join the university’s Office of Advancement as Director of Athletic Advancement effective Jan. 1, 2025.
“I am excited that Jim is joining our Advancement team, as the director of athletic advancement,” said Dr. Benji Kelly, vice president for advancement. “Jim has been connected to Campbellsville University Athletics for many years and we are thrilled that he is going to bring his passion and expertise to the advancement office to help enhance the athletic experience for our student athletes.”
As Director of Athletic Advancement, Hardy will be tasked with overseeing efforts to secure athletic gifts for CU, developing and maintaining relationships with corporate sponsors and boosters and providing direction for the Big Maroon Club, which provides support and assistance to CU Athletics.
Hardy has accumulated 40 years of experience in athletics and education at the high school and collegiate levels, including 21 years at Campbellsville University, where he served as an assistant football coach, assistant head football coach and recruiting coordinator and assistant director of athletics before his current role as director of athletics.
Hardy has been CU’s director of athletics since 2017, taking over for Rusty Hollingsworth, now CU’s vice president for student services and athletics. Hardy thanked Hollingsworth and the CU Administration for the opportunity to serve in athletic administration.
“The challenges of continuing to grow the mission of Campbellsville University Athletics is a great one,” Hardy said. “Being a part of the athletic program since 2003 has enabled me to develop and gain valuable experience in coaching, ministry, mission and athletic administration.”
Hardy stated the need for Christian higher education today is important, and for many, the pathway to Christian higher education comes through athletics.
“For us to be able to continue to draw families into the CU experience we must look to the future and growth of our programs and facilities,” he said. “We have an incredible plan/vision of what this will look like for Campbellsville University Athletics, but we must seek and find the revenue to make these plans happen.”
In his new role, Hardy said he has been charged “to seek and secure funds for our goals and vision” and “grow the opportunity for our student-athletes to be more engaged in missions’ opportunities both at home and abroad.”
“I am so excited for this new venture in my life and again very thankful for the chance to be a part of such a great team in the Office of Advancement,” Hardy said.
Hollingsworth said Hardy has been a fixture for many years at CU as a coach and administrator.
“He has led this department with purpose and a conviction to allow coaches and student-athletes to experience the love of Christ,” Hollingsworth said. “I’m excited for Jim in his new role in Athletic Advancement as he will continue to find ways to help every athletic program on our campus with new funding opportunities.”
Hardy received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from then-Campbellsville College in 1985, and he also holds a Master of Arts in Education from Western Kentucky University, which he earned in 1989. In 2004, Hardy received his National Certification in Athletic Administration.
From 1984 to 2008, Hardy was employed at Campbellsville High School as a social studies teacher. For 16 years, he was an assistant football coach and served as head coach for two years. He was also the school’s athletic director for 17 years.
Hardy was inducted into the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Fifth Region Officials’ Association Hall of Fame and Fifth Region Athletic Director’s Hall of Fame in 2008 and 2009, respectively.
