Arkansas State University Names Chris Pezman as Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics
Arkansas State University has officially named veteran athletics administrator Chris Pezman as its new Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics. The announcement was made Monday by ASU Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields, who praised Pezman’s extensive background in athletics administration and his strong national reputation.
“We are excited to announce Chris Pezman as our next Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics,” said Shields. “Throughout the selection process, it became clear that Chris was the perfect fit to lead A-State Athletics in this ever-evolving national landscape. He brings a proven record of competitive success, academic achievement, fundraising excellence, and collaborative leadership.”
Pezman, a former student-athlete and 30-year veteran of the sports and entertainment industry, becomes the 14th Director of Athletics in A-State history. He most recently served as Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Houston from 2017 to 2024, where he led the Cougars through a transformative period highlighted by their entry into the Big 12 Conference.
Under his leadership, Houston captured more than 30 conference championships across nine sports and made five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in men’s basketball, including a Final Four run in 2021. The university also saw major academic achievements, with more than 500 student-athletes earning Dean’s List honors and over 400 earning degrees.
Pezman also launched Houston’s ambitious “Houston Rise” capital campaign, aimed at raising $150 million for critical facility upgrades. Among the many projects completed during his tenure were the opening of the Fertitta Center, a new baseball player development center, and a renovated softball stadium, in addition to academic support facilities like the Dominic and Ellen Ng Academic Center for Excellence.
“I’m honored and privileged to join Arkansas State University as Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics,” said Pezman. “My family and I are excited to become part of the Jonesboro community. I’m eager to begin working with our student-athletes, coaches, and supporters to build upon the Red Wolves’ proud tradition and help elevate A-State’s national profile.”
An introductory press conference will be held on Wednesday, June 4 at 11:30 a.m. in the Centennial Bank Athletics Operations Center, located in the north end zone of Centennial Bank Stadium. The event is open to the public and will be streamed live via the Arkansas State Athletics Facebook page and broadcast on the Ticket Radio Network and the EAB Media app.
A Proven Leader in Collegiate Athletics
Before his most recent tenure at Houston, Pezman held administrative roles at the University of California-Berkeley, including Senior Associate Athletics Director, where he oversaw facilities, operations, and capital projects totaling more than $1 billion. Projects included enhancements to Haas Pavilion, new field hockey facilities, and improvements to stadium infrastructure.
Earlier in his career, Pezman served in executive management at Houston’s Reliant Park (now NRG Park), one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment venues, where he helped oversee operations for events attracting over 3.5 million visitors annually.
Pezman is no stranger to the University of Houston, where he was a standout football player, team captain in 1992, and later served as a graduate assistant coach. He holds a degree in economics and completed coursework toward a master’s in hotel and restaurant management.
He and his wife, Marisol Guillamondegui, have three children: Seth (25), Sydney (21), and Sarah (19).
Industry Leaders Praise Pezman’s Appointment
The national athletics community has shown overwhelming support for Pezman’s new role at A-State:
Andre Ware, ESPN analyst and 1989 Heisman Trophy winner:
“Chris helped transform all programs at the University of Houston into consistent winners. Arkansas State got a good one!”Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner:
“Arkansas State is getting a great athletics director in Chris Pezman. I look forward to him doing great things for the Red Wolves.”Willie Fritz, UH Head Football Coach:
“Being a former student-athlete and coach himself only enhances his ability to relate to everyone involved with the Red Wolves.”Terry Mohajir, UCF Vice President & Director of Athletics:
“Chris will enjoy the incredible people in Jonesboro and lead with integrity and vision.”Kelvin Sampson, UH Head Men’s Basketball Coach:
“He is going to be awesome for the student-athletes and coaches. I am really happy for Arkansas State and for Chris and his family.”Teresa Gould, Pac-12 Commissioner:
“His breadth of experience will allow him to make an immediate impact. The A-State community will love his collaborative approach.”Carl Lewis, UH Head Track & Field Coach and nine-time Olympic gold medalist:
“Arkansas State has made a great hire.”David Rehr, UH Head Volleyball Coach and former A-State coach:
“I believe Pezman is a great leader and will continue the excellence Northeast Arkansas has enjoyed the last several years.”
With a deep resume and a clear vision, Pezman steps into his new role poised to guide Arkansas State Athletics into a new era of growth, competitiveness, and community engagement.