Title: Retired (Former Director of Athletics)
Employer: Illinois State University (Retired)
Previous Roles: Director of Athletics, Illinois State University
Larry Lyons earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from the University of Illinois in 1978. He later pursued a degree in Accounting from Illinois State University, graduating in 1986.
Larry spent over three decades in Division I athletics at Illinois State University, ultimately serving as the Director of Athletics for the last 7.5 years of his career before retiring. His professional journey was anything but conventional; after earning his biology degree, he pivoted toward accounting, passed the CPA exam in one sitting, and eventually built a career in college athletics. His adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges played a crucial role in his success.
Larry credits his undergraduate experience at Illinois with shaping both his personal and professional growth. His time at the university helped him develop self-confidence, resilience, and a mindset that allowed him to navigate unexpected career shifts. The problem-solving and analytical skills he gained at Illinois enabled him to adapt, pivot, and ultimately thrive in a field far removed from his original major.
Now retired, Larry is passionate about giving back to the University of Illinois and mentoring students as they navigate their own career paths. With a career that included overcoming setbacks and shifting directions, he hopes to share valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and finding success in unexpected places. If you would like to connect with Larry, email Christina Swanson at alumnimentor@sib.illinois.edu.