UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Chancellor’s Academic Staff and Limited Appointee Excellence Awards

2012 - Jim Thies

 Thies, Jim

Jim Thies has served as the Sports Information Director at UWRF for the past 36 years. He is only the second Sports Information Director to work at UWRF, having replaced his predecessor after one year. Jim has worked with hundreds of students and student-athletes during his career. Each year Jim hires 10-15 students who help out with his duties covering all sports at UWRF. 

In 1995 with the help of his then student employee Brett Longdin, Jim set up the first website for the UWRF Athletic Department. 

"One of my proudest accomplishments was the fact that the UWRF Athletic Department had the first website of all institutions of higher education in the State of Wisconsin," Jim said.

"Friends have asked me why I've worked at UWRF for 36 years," Jim said. "The answer is simple – the students – they keep me young and involved and engaged in the world's activities."  

"What I find most gratifying is watching an 18-year-old freshman enter our doors, and four (and sometimes five) years later watch them as they go out into our communities with a great education in their professional field, and the skills and abilities to become a valued member of the community," Jim said. "It is my hope that I have been a positive influence on at least some of the students I have had the pleasure to work with." 

Jim has served on several College Sports Information Director's of America (CoSIDA) committees. He has also been active in several other organizations in the community including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the American Diabetes Association, the Hudson Hockey Association and St. Patrick's Parish. 

In 2012, Jim was recognized with the Chancellor's Award for Academic Staff for his exceptional service to the university community.