Jake Silverman Appointed Director of Athletics and Recreation

CHICAGO -- Campus and Student Life is pleased to announce that Jake Silverman, Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Recreation at Brown University, has been appointed Director of Athletics and Recreation at the University of Chicago, following a nationwide search. Jake's appointment is effective July 15, 2026.

Jake will provide strategic leadership for the Athletics & Recreation department, which sponsors 20 varsity sports, more than 40 sports clubs, an intramural sports program with thousands of students participating annually, and the FitChicago program. As a critical advocate for the athletics and fitness opportunities at the University, Jake will collaborate with key partners across campus and will work with the Advancement office to ensure ongoing philanthropic success. He will also be integral to fostering a department that promotes and celebrates all dimensions of difference and diversity.

In his present role at Brown, Jake oversees all intercollegiate and performance programs, focusing on student-athlete wellness and performance, development, recruiting, and retention. Jake serves on the Athletics Executive Leadership Team and the Ivy League's Senior Leadership group. In 2025, Jake was named to the NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse oversight committee.

Jake's tenure at Brown began in 2021, as Deputy Director of Athletics for Administration.  Two years later, he was promoted to Deputy Director of Athletics for Intercollegiate Programs and Performance.

Prior to Brown, Jake served for 14 years at the University of Pennsylvania, most recently as Associate Athletic Director, Operations.

Jake received his bachelor's degree in sport management from Syracuse University and his master's degree in organizational dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania.

"I am honored to serve the University of Chicago community, our scholar-athletes, and lead the future of Athletics and Recreation for the Maroons," said Silverman. "The University of Chicago balances national Athletics success and world-class education to provide transformational experiences for student-athletes. It's this commitment and alignment in values that immediately drew me to this exciting opportunity. I would like to thank President Alivisatos, Mike Hayes, and the entire search committee for this opportunity. I am energized to elevate the student-athlete experience and expand access to recreation in Hyde Park."

"We are pleased that Jake will be bringing his expertise and enthusiasm for collegiate athletics to UChicago," said Mike Hayes, Dean of Students in the University. "I would like to extend my appreciation to the members of the search committee, who dedicated considerable time to this important search. Please join me in offering a warm welcome to Jake."