Athletic Director Dave Heeke accepts same position at Arizona
University Athletic Director Dave Heeke is leaving to take the same position at the University of Arizona.
Heeke replaced Herb Deromedi as CMU's AD in 2006. He replaces Arizona AD Greg Byrne, who left for the University of Alabama.
Heeke, an East Lansing native, spent 18 years at the University of Oregon in its sports department. He was the senior associate athletics director/chief of staff before coming to CMU.
"I couldn't be more excited to be part of the Arizona Athletics family," Heeke said in a statement released by the University of Arizona. "It is truly an honor to be named the new Vice President for Athletics and have the opportunity to return to the prestigious Pac-12 Conference.
"I also want to thank all of the terrific people at Central Michigan University who have been so wonderful to our family during my time in Mount Pleasant. Arizona has developed a storied history and tradition and I'm looking forward to being a part of the next chapter in Tucson. I can't wait to Bear Down."
Central Michigan University President George Ross released a statement Saturday on Heeke’s departure.
"Dave has moved CMU's athletic program significantly forward in his 11 years here," CMU Ross said. "He spoke during his interviews of creating a championship culture, and he's achieved that. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff understand the leadership, integrity and excellence they represent on the field and court, as well as in academics and serving others. I'm proud of Dave and the legacy he's built here. I wish him and Liz (Heeke’s wife) all the best."
In the next two weeks, Ross said the university will hire a firm to conduct a national search to help find Heeke's replacement. He plans to hire an interim AD by April 1, Heeke's last day.
"We will seek candidates committed to furthering our championship culture, who agree that athletes are students first, and who have an unwavering commitment to upholding CMU's reputation as one of just 13 universities without a major NCAA violation," Ross said. "We seek a leader who represents all that CMU is, who is an excellent fundraiser and who will be an integral member of the CMU community."
Heeke had been in talks with other universities in the past. He was one of seven finalists for the AD position at Illinois last year, but didn't land the job. It was also reported that the University of Michigan was interested in Heeke when the position opened up in 2014.
“I know I’m dedicated and committed to this place because there are great things happening," Heeke said in a statement last year when asked about possibly leaving. "I’ve been here 10 years and I could see myself here for a lot longer.”
The CMU football team and women's basketball teams each won Mid-American Conference titles during his time as AD.
During his tenure, the Rose Center was renovated as part of a $22.5 million project to improve the CMU Events Center. New practice facilities were made for the basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and wrestling teams, and Kelly/Shorts Stadium installed a $2.5 million video board and permanent lights.
