NCAA Executive Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Stan Wilcox will retire effective Aug. 1. Wilcox joined the national office staff in October 2018 to oversee all NCAA regulatory functions, including academic and membership affairs, the Eligibility Center and enforcement.
In his role, Wilcox provided strategic direction while fostering strong relationships with NCAA members. He also created a collaborative environment among the NCAA’s regulatory departments, promoting efficiency and service to schools.
“Stan told me shortly after I arrived at the NCAA that he would be retiring at the end of 2023. Toward the end of the year, he and I agreed that there was much to do, and it would be great if he could stay with us for a bit longer, which I really appreciated,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said. “As a result, he will be wrapping up a 40-year career as a student-athlete who played in a March Madness Final Four; an administrator and manager who served at the school, conference and NCAA level; and one of only three Black athletic directors to win an FBS national football championship. (Go Seminoles!) His relationships throughout the college and professional ranks and his ability to see issues from a variety of points of view have made him an invaluable leader and teacher during his time with the NCAA. I especially appreciated his insights and advice during this past year, which has involved more change in Division I college sports than any other in recent memory.”
Before joining the national office staff, Wilcox oversaw the strategic planning and management of 20 varsity sports with more than 500 student-athletes at Florida State, where he was hired in 2013 as director of athletics and was promoted to vice president in 2016. He also previously served in senior positions at Duke, Notre Dame and the Big East Conference.
He has held several national leadership positions, including membership on the NCAA Football Oversight Committee and LEAD1 board of trustees. He helped create the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association and was later a board member for the group.
He also served as president of the Black Coaches Association from 2003-2005.
A former men’s basketball player at Notre Dame, Wilcox helped lead the Fighting Irish to their 1978 NCAA Men’s Final Four appearance and four NCAA tournament berths. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1981 with a degree in economics and earned a law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1988.
What they are saying …
“Stan — Molly and I wish you a wonderful retirement. The minute I interviewed you for the position of athletic director at Florida State University, I realized that you were a great fit — full of energy and enthusiasm, a great set of credentials, and a lover of college sports. The relationship between a president and the AD is critical for success, and we enjoyed a great partnership. I truly appreciate what you brought to the table as a key advisor and sports leader. Thank you for all that you have done for college sports.”
“Stan Wilcox has embodied all that is good with collegiate athletics. After a successful playing run as a Division I basketball player, Stan went on to build an enormously impressive professional career in college athletics. Holding leadership roles in a conference office, at Division I schools, including as athletic director, and culminating in the NCAA office, Stan has been known for his intellect, integrity and compassion. Congratulations to Stan on a phenomenal career.”
“Stan Wilcox is a true pro! His expertise as an athletics administrator is complete in every way. But without question, the best of Stan comes as a man and loyal friend. Much love and good fortune in your ‘new life.'”
“It was an absolute privilege to work alongside Stan Wilcox at Florida State University, and he’s continued to serve as a mentor for me today. Stan is one of the most thoughtful and inclusive leaders I’ve been fortunate to learn from, who always maintained a solutions-oriented, calming presence during the most challenging of times. His legacy across college athletics is cemented after the decades of tireless service and the ‘heartprints’ he left each step of the way in his career. I wish Stan and his wife, Ramona, a wonderful retirement. They certainly deserve it.”
“Congratulations, Stan, what a well-deserved opportunity. Wishing you the best in your retirement. Above all, I want to thank you for all you have meant to college sports and athletics.”
“Stan’s retirement represents the professional end to a great career for an incredible man. Simply put, Stan led with integrity and a belief that everyone can be successful. He is not just an administrator; he is one of the best people to ever do it. I would not be the person I am today without his guidance.”
“Congratulations to NCAA EVP Stan Wilcox on his retirement. I was fortunate to serve with him at both Florida State and at the national office. I know I speak for everyone when I say thank you for your selfless leadership and uncompromising integrity. Well done, my friend.”
“Since the first day of my internship working in college athletics, Stan has had a lasting impact on my professional journey and that of countless others. More important than any technical or historical knowledge, I learned from him the deep value of relationships, patience and compassion. His ability to navigate complex issues — often behind the scenes — in his steady, unassuming, understated manner helped drive change throughout his career at the campus, conference and national levels in a way few people have or will do.”
“On behalf of the members and Board of Directors of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association, we congratulate Stan Wilcox on his retirement. One of six founders of MOAA, Stan’s professionalism and engagement has built bridges for our organization, and he has made numerous contributions that have enhanced the athletics community as a whole. We thank you both individually and collectively for your years of service making athletics an inclusive place for all.”
“Stan Wilcox was one of the best administrators — and one of the finest people — I had the privilege to work alongside during my time as head coach at Duke. He was a steady, thoughtful leader who always looked for solutions and treated everyone in the department with honesty, clarity and respect. Stan always had Duke’s best interests at heart, and his presence made us all better. Congratulations to Stan, Ramona and the entire Wilcox family as they begin this next chapter. His leadership and guidance will truly be missed in college athletics.”
“Congratulations to Stan Wilcox on an extraordinary career dedicated to elevating college athletics and championing the student-athlete experience. Through every role he’s held, Stan has brought integrity, vision and heart, positively impacting thousands of young lives. His legacy will endure in the programs he strengthened and the people he inspired along the way.”
“Stan’s ultimate decision to transition to the virtual clubhouse is both riveting and sobering. Riveting, for it creates an occasion to honor and celebrate an iconic member of the greater intercollegiate athletics community, as a student-athlete, coach, athletic administrator, and as an esteemed leader! Sobering for sure, because it forecloses on a peerless era, whereby Stan Wilcox is clearly irreplaceable! He is highly respected, immensely admired and truly beloved, universally, all within the same breath.”
