James Downer


James Downer Headshot
Phone
920-832-6888
Campus Address
1100 East South River Street
Athletics
Title
Assistant Vice President of Athletics
About

James is responsible for the successful leadership of all facets of Lawrence University Athletics – the development, planning, implementation, and evaluation of all athletics activities to include 25 varsity sports and over 400 student athletes. 

James came to Lawrence after serving as the Director of Athletics at Saint Francis University (Pa.) from 2020-2025 while previously holding athletic leadership roles at Eastern Kentucky University, Presbyterian College and Nicholls State University. A former NCAA Division III student athlete, James competed in the sport of baseball at Millsaps College.  

James and his wife Erin have two sons (Max and Caden). 

Education
Master of Arts in Education: Adult & Higher Education
University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

Bachelor of Arts in History
Millsaps College, Jackson, MS
Years at Lawrence
2026-present