- Cameron Walker was introduced as Utah State's new athletics director on Wednesday.
- Walker emphasized adapting to changes in college athletics and maximizing resources effectively.
- He aims to enhance fan experiences and lead Utah State into the Pac-12 competitively.
LOGAN — A new era was ushered in for Utah State athletics on Wednesday in the form of new vice president and athletics director Cameron Walker.
Walker was formally introduced during a press conference at the West Stadium Center at Maverik Stadium after a months-long search resulted in his hiring.
After thanking many of those involved in his career and hire, Walker centered on his priorities as the new head of Utah State athletics. Several underlying themes were present in those priorities, including the importance of Utah State embracing the new era of collegiate athletics.
"There's never been a period of greater change in college athletics than the last four years; the entire industry has been spun on its head," Walker said. "That is why we will work every day to stay ahead, to be proactive, to be informed and ready, so when tomorrow comes, we're already where we need to be."
Walker brings a depth of experience in those new developments, from both his legal and professional backgrounds in various roles. Walker earned his bachelor's degree from Southern Virginia University and later received a juris doctorate from the University of Arkansas.
Additionally, he has spent the last decade in various athletic administration roles at Utah Valley University, University of Central Florida, and the University of Tennessee. His most recent role of senior deputy AD/chief strategy officer at Tennessee included overseeing much of the department's NIL initiatives.
"We have to be elite in that space, and you have to be elite in two areas," he said. "You have to have enough to spend. Competition is going to be spending it, but then we have to spend it wisely. We have to make sure that we're spending it the best way we can."
Walker, who came from the SEC, also emphasized the importance of fan involvement in both competition and revenue generation.
"The easy thing is to say we're going to go to donors and we're just going to ask them for more money, but that's not realistic and that's not the right approach," Walker said told media later. "Resources aren't just generated from fundraisers, they're generated from ticket sales, they're generated from concessions. … We have to maximize all of those resources."
For Walker, maximizing those resources includes making athletic events more experiential for fans attending games. This sentiment comes at a time when many fans have been critical of football attendance through the first three games.
"What can make it different when they come? What experience can they have when they come to the stadium that they can't have at home?" Walker said. "It's got to be enjoyable, and we've got to make it a spot where they can build memories."
In addition to NIL and revenue sharing, the university's current position on the verge of entering the Pac-12 was top of mind for those in attendance.
"Cameron joins Utah State, of course, at a pivotal moment in our history, we're transitioning into the reimagined Pac-12, and seek not only to be a part of it. We want to lead it competitively, academically and by all other markers of excellence that we apply to our athletic department," interim university President Smith said.
Walker echoed the sentiment of not just entering the Pac-12, but seeking to compete from the jump.
"We have to start sprinting now," Walker said. "It's an exciting opportunity, but we want to be ready for it. Not just ready, though, to participate. It's not a Pac-12 participation trophy. We want to compete, and we want to dominate."
Walker pleaded with the community and alumni to support the university, saying: "Be proud, wear blue come back often."
"We need you to stay connected and invested in the community," he added. "If you're from Cache Valley, you're an Aggie. We need all of you. We need your support. We need you to invest. We need you to attend events, bring your kids, bring your families. For the sake of our athletics department, for the sake of our university and for the sake of this valley."
