Get to Know Martin Jarmond

Who is Martin Jarmond? Well, he is officially the new UCLA Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics. He is the first African-American Athletic Director in the history of the university and also the first athletic director to be hired without ever visiting the UCLA campus before. A two-time selection for the 2017 and 2019 Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, he is responsible for securing the coveted UCLA x Jordan partnership in early December. Martin Jarmond is a man with a lot of experience and even higher aspirations for the university’s athletic department. But where did Jarmond learn the skills necessary to take the reins of the Bruin athletic department?

Jarmond attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington from 1997-2001, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in communication studies. During Jarmond’s undergraduate experience, he served as a two-year captain of the men’s basketball team, leading the program to their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 2000. He also earned Colonial Athletic Association All-Academic honors in 2001. Following his graduation, Jarmond went to Ohio University from 2001-2003 and received his MBA in business administration and his MSA in sports administration. 

After college and graduate school, Jarmond went on to serve as an Assistant Athletic Director for Development at Michigan State University (MSU) for seven years. During his tenure, Jarmond served on the athletic director’s executive leadership team and was a key member of the $1.2 billion “Campaign for MSU” development team. 

In 2009, however, the Ohio State University called Jarmond’s name and he relocated once again, working his way up the ladder and eventually becoming the Deputy Director of Athletics. He served as the lead administrator for the basketball and football programs and was able to raise over $120 million for the athletic department in a two-year span. Because of his success as a leader and proven dedication to college sports, Jarmond was selected as a member of the NCAA’s inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship Advisory Group and the Rose Bowl Advisory Committee, two prestigious positions for a young, up and coming athletic director. 

Following his stint at Ohio State, Jarmond was ready to make history. He accepted a job as the William V. Campbell Director of Athletics for Boston College, becoming the youngest athletic director of any Power Five institution ever at the age of 37. In his three years there, Jarmond coordinated a five-year plan to advance the program by fostering student-athlete academic development, strengthening competitive excellence, increasing external engagement, and enhancing facilities. Additionally, Jarmond raised over $121 million and developed another program for first-generation student-athletes. Under Jarmond’s leadership, Boston College thrived athletically and academically on its way to some of its best seasons in recent history. The football team reached a bowl game every year Jarmond was there, the women’s lacrosse team reached the national championship in 2018 and the school ranked eighth in the nation with an overall Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 94%. Additionally, Jarmond is responsible for the hiring of women’s basketball coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee who was able to lead Boston College to its best ACC finish in school history, while also being named ACC Coach of the Year.

After a successful campaign as Boston College Athletic Director, Jarmond got a call from sunny California to help build the UCLA athletics department. Chancellor, Gene Block, announced in a press release how excited he was to bring Jarmond into the Bruin community and the lofty expectations he has for him. 

“Martin is a principled, proven leader with a deep commitment to values that align with UCLA’s mission,” Block said in a statement. “From Rafer Johnson to John Wooden, this program has always inspired our student-athletes and supporters alike to persevere and excel. I am confident Martinc will help UCLA carry on that storied tradition, with his exceptional leadership, high integrity, and excitement for our future. Even in challenging times like these, there is so much to look forward to and so much potential still to be unlocked for our program and within our student-athletes.”

Upon his hiring, Jarmond released a public statement detailing his excitement to be a part of the renowned university. He has high aspirations for the athletic department and is determined to help each program find great success in the coming years.

“UCLA is an aspirational program in intercollegiate athletics,” Jarmond said in a public statement. “Steeped in history and success, the tradition of legends and barrier-breakers who call themselves Bruins is unmatched. I am humbled by and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics. UCLA Athletics aligns with my tenacious commitment to developing young men and women to be their very best academically and athletically. I will work tirelessly to ensure our student-athletes, alumni and fans remain proud of UCLA Athletics.”

Martin Jarmond is as determined and dedicated as anybody to the UCLA fans, students, staff, and alumni. He is eager to build on UCLA’s established history and tradition, lead the university’s athletic departments to success, and further the academic excellence of UCLA. He will be featured as a guest speaker for the Bruin Sports Business Association (BSBA) this coming Wednesday, February 3rd at 6 P.M. Jarmond will explain his life story, how he got to this point in his career, offer any advice he might have, and will happily answer any questions during the Q & A portion of the night. All guests are welcome and encouraged to attend, listen, question and learn from the man holding the reins of the UCLA athletic department. See you there!