National Football Foundation

A leader in tragedy and triumph, Jim Weaver has risen to the top of his profession to become one of the most respected administrators in college athletics today.

Born in Harrisburg, Pa., Weaver attended Penn State University and played center and linebacker for coaching legends Rip Engle and Joe Paterno.  After earning a bachelor's degree in psychology and rehabilitation education in 1967, he returned to Penn State and received his master's in college counselor education in 1968.  Weaver joined the Penn State coaching staff as an assistant and remained with the program for six years.  During his tenure as an assistant coach, the Nittany Lions played in five bowl games, including the Cotton, Sugar and Orange (twice) bowls.

Following his career at Penn State, Weaver became the offensive coordinator at Iowa State before spending one season as head coach at Villanova in 1974.  After leaving Villanova, the former coach took a break from athletics and spent five years as an assistant professor at Clarion University (Pa.).

In 1983, Weaver was hired by Florida and played a major part in developing a strong compliance department and eventually became associate athletics director.  The University of Nevada- Las Vegas took notice, luring him to become their athletics director in 1991.  Hired to turn around the troubled athletic department, Weaver showed a knack for fundraising and raised nearly $15 million during his three and a half years in Las Vegas.

Weaver spent one year as athletics director for Western Michigan University prior to being hired by Virginia Tech in 1997.  During his tenure with Virginia Tech, he has been responsible for updating and building new athletics facilities, including two expansions of Lane Stadium and the current $20 million basketball practice facility construction project.  He negotiated an eight-year contract with NIKE to be the exclusive supplier of uniforms, clothing and equipment for the entire Virginia Tech Athletic Department. 

In 2004-05, Weaver presided over Virginia Tech's move into the Atlantic Coast Conference effective July 1, 2004.  Following the tragic 2007 shootings that claimed 33 lives on the Virginia Tech campus, Weaver was called upon to represent the university on numerous occasions to help with the healing process, including a tribute to the victims before the kickoff of the 2007 opening football game and addressing the nation on ESPNEWS during the at the announcement of the 2007 College Football Hall of Fame class.

Weaver and his wife Traci live in Blacksburg, Va. with their four sons Josh, Paul, Cole and Craig.