ARLINGTON, Texas - UT Arlington Deputy Athletic Director for Development and General Manager of Athletics Ira Childress has been nominated for the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) 2025–26 Fundraiser of the Year award. The winner will be announced in the coming months and the award will be presented in June at the 2026 NACDA & Affiliates Convention.
Childress joined UT Arlington in August 2023 and has since guided UTA Athletics to unprecedented fundraising success. Under his leadership, the department launched a revitalized Maverick Club, implemented DFW and Texas statewide Tours, to strengthen alumni and donor engagement. In addition to leading the development staff, Childress serves as the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics' General Manager, overseeing NIL and revenue sharing, and is also the sport administrator for men's and women's basketball.
"Just to be nominated for a national award like this is truly an honor, and I'm grateful," said Childress. "The success we're having in fundraising speaks to the outstanding staff we have in our athletic department, our on-campus development team and most importantly our incredible donors."
UTA Athletics is having a historic fundraising year in 2025, breaking numerous school records, including:
- 102% increase in annual fund contributions
- 152% growth in major gift fundraising
- 280% increase in total dollars raised
- 78% increase in premium seating
- The most gifts exceeding $25,000 in program history
- The largest unrestricted gift ever received: $2 million
- Nearly $9 million raised over the last 18 months
"Ira has transformed our fundraising in his two years in Arlington," said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Jon Fagg. "I am thrilled that Ira's ability to connect our donors with their passion is being recognized in this way."
-- #BuckEm --
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