WSU removes interim tag, names Haarlow AD

From news services

PULLMAN — Washington State University President Betsy Cantwell has selected Jon Haarlow as WSU vice president and director of athletics.

Haarlow, who has served as interim athletic director since Nov. 12, will be introduced at a press conference in the Alger Family Club Room at Gesa Field on Monday, April 20, at 11 a.m. He becomes the 16th leader of Cougar Athletics in school history.

"At Washington State University, we believe in people who step forward, take on challenges, and deliver results that matter," Cantwell said in a university news release. "Jon Haarlow has already demonstrated that kind of leadership. This next chapter is about continuing to prove what’s possible to Coug Nation and beyond. We are elevating our athletics program as a point of pride, connection and impact across our entire system.”

Haarlow has more than five years of experience at WSU and 15 years in collegiate athletics. He joined WSU in 2021 as senior associate athletic director and chief financial officer for WSU Athletics. In spring 2022, he accepted a role as assistant vice president for Business and Financial Services, where he provided financial leadership for the University System in areas including debt, cash and investments while collaborating with key institutional units, including accounting, reporting, payroll, student accounts, and contracting services.

“I would like to thank President Cantwell for the opportunity to lead Cougar Athletics,” Haarlow said. “Washington State is a special place, with special people. My family and I could not be more thrilled to remain home here in Pullman and continue to serve the Cougar community. It is truly an honor to lead such an outstanding group of student-athletes, coaches and staff—one I do not take lightly. Under President Cantwell’s leadership, Cougar Athletics has made significant progress in a short time, and I’m incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. Now I’m excited for Coug Nation to join us as we move forward.

“There is still work to be done to provide a championship-level experience for our student-athletes,” Haarlow added. “They are the reason we are here. I’ve experienced firsthand the impact college athletics can have—not only on individuals, but on families and communities. That impact is at the heart of everything we do, and it will continue to guide us moving forward.”

In July 2024, Haarlow returned to Cougar Athletics as assistant vice president and senior deputy athletic director/chief operating officer for WSU Athletics. 

Since assuming the role as Washington State interim AD in November, Haarlow has:

• Led department-wide strategic initiatives, driving operational momentum and cross-campus alignment

• Directed the successful hiring of Head Football Coach Kirby Moore and Head Soccer Coach Chris Citowicki, strengthening leadership across marquee and growth programs

• Spearheaded and supported fundraising efforts that generated more than $10 million for the Football Fan Experience Project

• Launched a $3.4 million renovation of the Cougar Football locker room, to be completed in the summer of 2026

• Instituted brand awareness programs that generated revenue through apparel and spirit partnerships

• Continued to advance positioning for Washington State Athletics for the new era of the Pac-12 Conference by collaborating with conference and institutional leaders to support long-term stability and sustainability

Before his tenure at WSU, Haarlow spent three years at Lamar University, serving as senior associate athletics director and chief operating officer after initially joining as associate athletic director and chief financial officer.

Earlier in his career, Haarlow served at Abilene Christian University as assistant athletic director for internal operations and later as the manager of financial planning and budgeting. He began his athletics administration career at the University of New Mexico, serving for more than six years as a program specialist and assistant event manager for athletics.

Haarlow holds a master’s degree in sport administration from the University of New Mexico and a bachelor’s degree in sport marketing and management from Indiana University in Bloomington.