Jim Duncan begins his 17th year at Rhodes, including his fifth as Director of Athletics. During his tenure, Rhodes Athletics has achieved great success, including capturing the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup, which signifies the best overall athletic department in the Southern Athletics Association.
The Rhodes Athletics Culture of Champions was enacted during Duncan’s first year in office. Focusing on winning in the classroom, in competition, and in the community has become the cornerstone of the expectations of Lynx athletics staff and student-athletes.
In 2022, Rhodes Athletics signed the first apparel contract in Lynx history with an agreement with BSN/Nike. Lynx student-athletes proudly wear the Nike swoosh in all 21 varsity sports.
In the same year, Rhodes Athletics partnered with MOGL, a leading platform in the complex world of NIL opportunities. The agreement for all Lynx student-athletes was the first strategic NIL platform in DIII athletics.
Before taking over Lynx Athletics, Duncan held many roles in the development division, most recently as Senior Director of Athletic Giving at Rhodes.
As Senior Director of Athletic Giving, Duncan managed fundraising for the athletics department through the Lynx Club. During his tenure in that position, over $9.2 million was raised for Rhodes Athletics, with a highlight of successfully heading the inauguration and first two campaigns of the Rhodes Athletics One Day Challenge. Duncan also coordinated special events during home games, enhancing his relationships and engagements with parents and alumni.
Duncan has worked at Rhodes and with the broader community for the past sixteen years, forming meaningful relationships with student-athletes, alumni, and parents. He has also developed close relationships with coaches, the campus community, and Southern Athletic Association constituents while serving on various SAA and NCAA committees. "It’s an honor to lead Lynx Athletics, and our goal is to provide Lynx athletes with the best student-athlete experience in the country. While we know that the goal appears rather lofty, it is the expectation. It is an honor to wear the “R,” and our staff and student-athletes take that charge seriously,” stated Duncan.
Duncan is a University of Kansas graduate and a native of Overland Park, Kan. He has lived in Memphis for over 32 years and has three adult sons, including a Rhodes graduate.
Lynx athletics milestones during the last three years.
· 1,615 Lynx student-athletes being named All-SAA Academic, requiring a 3.25 GPA or higher.
· 28 SAA Conference Titles.
· 32 team or individual NCAA Tournament Appearances.
· 27 All-Americans.
· 167 First-Team All-SAA athletes.
· 29 SAA Players of the Year.
· 16 SAA Newcomers of the Year.
· 13 SAA Coaches of the Year.
· 458 Lynx student-athletes serving in leadership roles in campus groups and clubs.
$3.15 million of facility upgrades during his tenure.
· The construction of the Mike and Nancy Clary Indoor Golf facility.
· The renovation of Mallory Gymnasium, including naming the court in memory of Men’s Basketball coaching legend Herb Hilgeman.
· A new videoboard at Crain Field.
· The construction of a Women’s Basketball team room.
· Renovation of several team locker rooms.
· Installing new turf at Mason Field.
