Eastern Illinois University Athletics

Jim Nave was hired as the Eastern Illinois Director of Sports Medicine in September of 2015.  In his role he oversees the Panthers Athletic Training staff in addition to working with the department’s various medical providers.   He was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Health, Safety and Performance in May of 2023. 
 
Nave serves directly as the athletic trainer for the Panthers cross country and track & field programs while providing home event support for all of EIU’s 19-intercollegiate sport offerings.
 
Prior to joining the EIU athletic staff, Nave worked for five years as an athletic trainer for Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Care.
 
Nave also has experience as the head athletic trainer at Rose-Hulman from 2006-10. 
 
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State and a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois.

He and his wife Jennifer have two daughters