SAN ANTONIO – Kurt Pottkotter, a veteran administrator with more than 25 years of experience in fundraising and collegiate athletics, has been named Senior Associate Vice President for Athletics Development at UTSA, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Lisa Campos announced Friday.
In his new role, Pottkotter will provide strategic leadership and oversight of all fundraising activities in support of Roadrunners Athletics. He will design and implement a comprehensive program to secure major and principal gifts, expand annual giving, strengthen donor engagement and steward impactful partnerships.
Pottkotter arrives in San Antonio following nearly 15 years at SMU, where he most recently served as Executive Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kurt to the Roadrunner family,” Campos said. “In this new era of college athletics, the ability to generate revenue and build sustainable resources is more important than ever. Kurt’s proven track record of fundraising success and building meaningful partnerships will be instrumental in elevating UTSA Athletics and ensuring we continue to provide a first-class experience for our nearly 400 student-athletes.”
At SMU, Pottkotter oversaw day-to-day operations for a 17-sport program with nearly 500 student-athletes. Working closely with the development team, he helped secure $159 million in gifts and commitments in FY24—the highest fundraising total among all FBS athletics programs. He also guided capital project planning, including the opening of the $100 million Weber End Zone Complex for football, and served as sport administrator for football and men’s and women’s tennis. Additionally, he led SMU’s transition planning to ensure readiness for entry into the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“I'm excited to join Dr. Campos and the talented staff and coaches in San Antonio and for the opportunity to help enhance the resources available to continue UTSA's momentum,” Pottkotter said. “Roadrunners Athletics' trajectory has been impressive to watch. I can't wait to get started and to ensure that our programs and student-athletes have all that they need to pursue championships and contribute to raising the university's profile.”
Prior to being named SMU’s Deputy Athletics Director in January 2017, Pottkotter was the Senior Associate AD for Development and was the Chief Development Officer for Athletics. During that time, his efforts accounted for $190 million towards SMU’s 1.15 billion Second Century Campaign. He raised $27 million in new gifts for the football indoor practice facility and increased Mustang Club membership by more than 80 percent over a three-year period.
Pottkotter started at SMU as the Executive Director of National Major Giving in July 2010, where he led the Second Century Campaign major gift efforts in 10 leadership cities and supervised a 12-person team. He increased annual major giving results from less than $2 million to $17 million.
Pottkotter held college development roles at both Ohio State (2005-10) and SMU (2002-05) before rejoining the Mustangs in 2010. He also worked in the athletics departments at UT Dallas (2001-02) and Boston College (2000-01).
Pottkotter holds his bachelor of arts degree in political science from Ohio Dominican University and his master of sports administration from Ohio University.