Mike Hermann will serve as the Director of Athletics at the University of Illinois Springfield, effective June 17. Hermann comes to Springfield from the University of the Pacific, an NCAA Division I program in Stockton, California where he was the Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Operations. Hermann's official title will be director of athletics-designate until approval by the U of I Board of Trustees.
"We're excited to welcome Mike to the UIS Athletics family," said Jamarco Clark, UIS vice chancellor for student affairs and interim director of athletics. "His extensive background in collegiate athletics and dedication to its advancement make him an ideal fit for this crucial role. With his leadership, we're confident UIS Athletics will thrive, bringing pride to our entire community."
Hermann brings over 18 years of athletics senior leadership experience to the role, including serving as the athletic director at two NCAA institutions, Niagara University and Towson University. He also served as director of athletics at Kansas Wesleyan University, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) program, where in 2019 he was named the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year.
"I'm humbled by the opportunity to serve the students of UIS at this amazing institution and energized by the chance to serve alongside the hard-working athletics staff," Hermann said. "I want to thank Chancellor Janet Gooch, Vice Chancellor Jamarco Clark and search committee chairs James Koeppe and Kelsea Gurski. I cannot wait to get started in Springfield."
Hermann has enhanced athletics programs throughout his career, executing key coaching hires and building supportive cultures for coaches and student-athletes. Most importantly, he values the student-athlete experience with a focus on student achievement both in competition and the classroom.
At Kansas Wesleyan, Hermann helped complete a $7.5 million fundraising campaign for an outdoor sports complex, grew attendance at competitions, increased corporate partnership revenue by 50 percent and saw impressive athletics success, including 26 conference championships.
Hermann earned his bachelor's degree at John Carroll University in Cleveland and has a master's degree from Kent State University. He also earned a certificate in diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace from the University of Southern Florida.
UIS has 17 athletic programs, including baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field and volleyball, and is a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference in NCAA Division II.
What They're Saying
"At Niagara University, Mike Hermann rebuilt the athletic program from the ground up, and no one worked harder than he did. My congratulations to UIS for landing him as your AD." - Fr. Dennis Holtschneider, CM, Former President and Chancellor, DePaul University
"I wholeheartedly endorse UIS' decision to have Mike leading their athletic program. He gave me my first opportunity as a full-time head coach, and I am eternally grateful for that. Mike's exemplary leadership and organizational skills as an Athletic Director truly set him apart. He consistently encouraged me to evolve and improve, playing a pivotal role in my development. I wouldn't be the coach I am today without Mike's mentorship and guidance!" - Bill Neale, Head Baseball Coach, Kansas Wesleyan University.
"I'm excited to see Mike Hermann selected as the next Director of Athletics at the University of Illinois Springfield. Mike is an accomplished leader and athletic administrator. His passion, insights, hard work, and strong ethics enhanced the Kansas Wesleyan University athletic department and the student experience during his six years in the role. We continue to benefit from the culture he established. I wish all the best to Mike and UIS Athletics." - Matt Thompson, Ph.D., President & CEO, Kansas Wesleyan University
"The University of Illinois Springfield's hiring of Mike Hermann is an absolute home run hire. Mike is a seasoned athletic administrator who has led highly successful athletic programs throughout his career. Mike will provide the leadership, resources, and support to UIS student athletes and coaches that will allow them all to maximize their full academic and athletic potential." - Dr. Camden Wood Selig, Director of Athletics, Old Dominion University
"Mike Hermann is a home run hire for UIS. Mike is a veteran administrator with a great track record of success athletically and academically. I have no doubt that he will have a positive impact in the Springfield community, on campus, and within the department." - Jim Abbott, Founder - Business of Small College Athletics, Former Director of Athletics - Oklahoma City University
"I would like to congratulate Mike on his new position and the University of Illinois Springfield on a great hire. Mike will bring a great deal of passion, integrity, and enthusiasm to UIS Athletics . He has the ability to unite and inspire student athletes, coaches, faculty, alumni, and of course the community. Best of luck in this and years to come" - Peter Veltri, Head Coach Women's Soccer, Niagara University