Haven Fields Set to Join Ball State Athletics as Deputy AD

MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State University Director of Athletics Beth Goetz announced today that Haven Fields is joining the department as Deputy Athletics Director. Fields will oversee external operations and assist in supervising the Cardinals' 19 teams and 400-plus student-athletes.

"We are thrilled to welcome Haven to the Ball State family," Goetz said. "Haven made a tremendous impact on the development efforts at each of his previous stops, most recently with the University of Illinois. As a former college football player himself, he is dedicated to creating the best possible experience for our student-athletes. Haven brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm, and the Ball State and Muncie communities will enjoy getting to know him and his young family."

Fields spent the previous five years working at the University of Illinois Office of Athletics Development. He quickly rose up the ranks from Associate Director of Development – Chicago Operations to Assistant Athletics Director, Development – Chicago Operations to Associate Athletics Director, Development – Chicago Operations in 2018. Fields has recently been helping to drive the university's $2.25 billion "With Illinois" campaign, $300 million of which is earmarked for athletics. To date, the athletics portion of the campaign has already raised $215 million.

"I want to thank President Geoffrey Mearns and Beth Goetz for this fantastic opportunity," Fields said. "It is exciting to work with two visionary leaders who are incredibly passionate about creating a world-class student experience, focused on vitalizing the community through high levels of engagement and dedicated to enhancing a brand that all alumni will be proud of for years to come.

"Additionally, I look forward to serving a talented group of student-athletes, coaches, and staff to increase the scope of Ball State athletics. For all the athletic supporters, friends of the program and letterwinners, it's an exciting time to be a Cardinal. I'm ecstatic to be on this great trajectory with you."

Fields managed the Illinois satellite office in Chicago, overseeing all athletic development operations, budget management and outreach activities in Greater Chicagoland, Northwest Indiana, Wisconsin, Florida and Georgia. He co-solicited the largest gift in Illinois' Division of Intercollegiate Athletics history, $20 million for the Henry Dale & Betty Smith Football Center. His work also led to significant private support for numerous other capital projects in 2018-19 – Demirjian Park, Ubben Basketball Practice Facility, Illinois Baseball Training Center and Softball Training Center.

Prior to his stint at Illinois, Fields worked at the University of South Alabama for five years as the Assistant Athletics Director for Administration and Major Gifts. He served as a member of the USA senior administration leadership staff and supervised the men's and women's cross country and track & field teams. He was also involved in the day-to-day oversight of the Jaguar Athletic Fund Leadership Circle and facilitated the overall operations of a start-up Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program, including budget management and football contracts.

Fields began his career in intercollegiate athletics at his alma mater, Auburn University. He originally served as a graduate assistant for compliance and event management before sliding over to the role of Associate Director of Athletics Development. During his time at Auburn, Fields assisted in the $170 million "Legends Campaign for Athletics," which was part of Auburn University's "It All Begins at Auburn" capital campaign.

Fields played collegiate football for Auburn where he earned the Zeke Smith Award (Auburn's Defensive Player of the Year). He was an honorable mention to the All-SEC team as a linebacker and also earned a spot on the All-SEC Football Allstate "Good Works" Team. Following college, Fields went on to play two seasons of professional football in the Canadian Football League for the Hamilton Tigercats and British Columbia Lions.

Fields earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from Auburn in 2001 and later earned a master's in higher education administration/sports management. He and his wife Mya have two sons, Haven Jr. (2 and a half years) and Hendrix (8 months).

Haven Fields Set to Join Ball State Athletics as Deputy AD

Related Videos