EMU Today

News release updated May 15, 2017 to reflect addition of EMU Regent Michael Hawks to Search Committee, replacing Christian Spears.

YPSILANTI - Eastern Michigan University President James Smith has announced details regarding the search process for the University's next Vice President, Director of Athletics. A nationwide search will begin immediately with the objective of completing the process and having a new athletic director in place this summer. Parker Executive Search, a leading global search firm that has conducted more than 500 successful higher education searches, will support the effort.

President Smith announced the following members of the Search Committee who will be instrumental in determining the finalist candidates. The Committee includes a cross-section of campus constituencies representing student, faculty, athletic and alumni interests:

• Gloria Hage: co-chair; University General Counsel
• Erin Kido: co-chair; Senior Associate Athletic Director
• Howard Booth: Alumni; Emeritus Professor of Biology; Assistant Coach, Men's Track
• Larry Borum: Incoming Student Government Vice President
• Jack Brusewitz: Alumni; Vice Chair, EMU Foundation Board of Trustees
• Chris Creighton: Head Football Coach
• Abi Olajuwon: Assistant Women's Basketball Coach
• Sue Parks: Alumni; Head Women's Track / Cross Country Coach
• Lauren Pottschmidt: Incoming President, Student Athlete Advisory Committee
• Ray Quiel: Alumni; Associate Professor of Communications; President, Faculty Senate
• Ed Sidlow: Alumni; Professor of Political Science; NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative
• Michael Hawks: EMU Regent; Alumni; Former EMU Student Athlete; Director of Governmental Consultant Services Inc. *updated effective May 15, 2017

The next Eastern Michigan University athletic director will lead a department known for success on and off the field, along with a commitment for community service.

The new Vice President, Director of Athletics will replace Heather Lyke, who left Eastern to become athletic director at the University of Pittsburgh. Christian Spears is serving as interim vice president, director of athletics.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.