LAS VEGAS - July 20, 2009 - Mike Hamrick, who served as UNLV's athletics director for the past six years, has accepted the position as director of athletics for Marshall University, officials announced today. Senior Associate Athletics Director Jerry Koloskie will serve as acting UNLV athletics director during the transition.
UNLV Athletics enjoyed unprecedented success under Hamrick's watch. In his six years, the Rebels won 22 Mountain West Conference championships, including a school record six in 2004-05, amid a resurgence of fan support. Just as importantly, classroom achievement for student-athletes reached new heights. This year alone, 13 of 17 teams had a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater and 131 student-athletes were named to academic all-conference teams. UNLV also recently completed an 18-month NCAA certification process and was certified with no conditions.
"UNLV Athletics thrived under Mike's leadership, and he's been critical to the success of our student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom," said Acting UNLV President Neal Smatresk. "Mike guided tremendous improvements to UNLV's athletics programs with key coaching hires, new and improved facilities, and strong multimedia partnerships that provide the university important national exposure and a solid foundation for future success. Marshall will benefit greatly from Mike's leadership."
Hamrick raised nearly $11 million to improve athletics facilities during his six years at UNLV. In addition, UNLV recently signed a deal with ISP Sports for multi-media rights, corporate sales and sponsorship development, and special events and entertainment, which will guarantee UNLV Athletics more than $32 million over a 10-year period. Last year, Hamrick signed a deal with Nike worth more than $3 million, which outfits student-athletes with the latest Nike equipment and apparel.
During his tenure at UNLV, Hamrick oversaw the restructuring of the athletics department to include direct oversight of the Thomas & Mack Center, Cox Pavilion and Sam Boyd Stadium to better serve the school's varsity sports. This area is now recording its best financial period in UNLV's history. He also streamlined fundraising efforts with the introduction of the Rebel Athletic Fund, which has significantly increased private donations to UNLV Athletics.
A 1980 graduate of Marshall University, Hamrick played football for the Thundering Herd and was a two-year starter (1978-79) at linebacker. In 1981 he received a master's degree from Ohio University, where he was also an assistant football coach. He earned the Ohio University's Sports Administration Program's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2007.
