MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho alum Mahmood Sheikh is returning to the Vandals as Associate Athletic Director for Development. Sheikh will oversee the Vandal Scholarship Fund and be responsible for procuring major gifts for capital projects. He will be positioned in Boise.
 
"I am thrilled to return to my alma mater," Sheikh said. "Combining personal passion with professional endeavor is rare and I am fortunate to do so again. The Vandal family is loyal, passionate and generous. I look forward to sharing with them the stories of our student-athletes and the transformational experiences and memories they gain daily in the classroom and in competition, thanks to philanthropy."
 
Sheikh previously worked with Idaho Athletics for six years (2003-08) in various development positions, most recently as Assistant Athletic Director and Executive Director of the VSF. During his time at Idaho, he created and implemented strategic changes to donor benefits and recognition, including football seating. He also cultivated nearly $700,000 in major gifts.
 
"Mahmood brings a unique set of qualities and skills that will make him successful in this role," said Interim Director of Athletics Pete Isakson. "The lifelong relationships and institutional knowledge he cultivated as a student and as a staff member are invaluable to this position and what made him the perfect fit. We are thrilled to have him back on board."
 
After his first stint with Vandal Athletics, Sheikh spent three years at Colorado as the Assistant Athletic Director and Buff Club Director, growing the club to its largest membership in department history.  He returns to the Vandals, and to college athletics, after more than nine years as the Deputy Executive Director for the Idaho State Bar and Idaho Law Foundation Inc.
 
"Mahmood will be responsible for growing the VSF and putting us on a path to reach our goal of fully funding athletic scholarships through the annual fund," Isakson said. "He will also take a leading role in securing gifts for future capital improvement projects, such as ICCU Arena. In addition to the benefits he brings to the Athletic Department, Mahmood will be a tremendous asset to the University's advancement team."
 
Born and raised in Moscow, Sheikh earned his bachelor's degree in business marketing from the U of I in 2001 and added a master's degree in 2007 in educational leadership. During his undergraduate career, Sheikh served as the student body president.