Brian Mistro was named Athletic Director at the University of Jamestown in June 2026, continuing a relationship with UJ that began more than two decades ago as a Jimmie student-athlete.
Mistro leads Jimmie Athletics with a simple philosophy: People First. Jimmies Always.
That philosophy reflects his belief that college athletics should be about more than wins and losses. His focus is on creating an athletic department where student-athletes, coaches, and staff are known, valued, challenged, and supported while representing the University of Jamestown at the highest level.
As Athletic Director, Mistro oversees Jimmie Athletics during a historic era as UJ begins its journey as a full member of NCAA Division II and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. His leadership priorities include student-athlete success, competitive excellence, coach and staff development, community engagement, responsible growth, and strengthening the connection between athletics and the greater University of Jamestown community.
Mistro believes successful athletic departments are built through relationships, accountability, service, and a willingness to do hard things together. His approach emphasizes connecting with people, developing leaders, supporting coaches, and providing student-athletes with an experience that prepares them for success long after their playing careers are finished.
Before becoming Athletic Director, Mistro served as UJ's head football coach from 2019-2026. His coaching career included stops at Northern State University and Concordia College. While football played an important role in his development as a leader, Mistro's transition into athletic administration expanded that responsibility from leading one team to serving every student-athlete, coach, and program within Jimmie Athletics.
Mistro's connection to Jamestown began in 2005 when he arrived on campus from Gilbert, Arizona. He was a two-year starter at safety, team captain, and All-Conference performer for the Jimmies. He was also a member of UJ's 2006 and 2007 NAIA playoff teams and was inducted into the Jimmie Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 2007 team.
Mistro earned his bachelor's degree in Communications from Jamestown College in 2009 and a Master of Science in Education, Teaching, and Learning from Northern State University in 2012. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Leadership degree at the University of Jamestown.
For Mistro, returning to his alma mater and now leading its athletic department is an opportunity to give back to an institution and community that helped shape his life.
His vision for Jimmie Athletics remains straightforward:
Take care of people. Develop leaders. Compete with purpose. Represent the University of Jamestown the right way.
People First. Jimmies Always.
Brian and his wife, Meaghan, have three sons, A.J., Nolan, and Jack.
