July 20, 2009
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Mike Hamrick, director of athletics at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas for the past six years and a 1980 graduate of Marshall University, has been named director of athletics at Marshall University, President Stephen J. Kopp announced today. Hamrick replaces Bob Marcum, who retired.
Hamrick, 51, was introduced by Kopp at a news conference this afternoon in the Hartley Room at Cam Henderson Center on Marshall’s Huntington campus. He will assume his duties in mid-August.
“In Mike Hamrick, we identified an outstanding leader for our athletic program, an individual of uncompromising integrity, experience and accomplishment,” Kopp said. “He brings to Marshall University a vision for athletics that we can all embrace and support. His proven experience and accomplishments unequivocally demonstrate his ability to translate vision into action that leads to success. I cannot emphasize enough the value that this individual brings to our university and community.
“An added, but by no means less important quality of this individual is that he is a proud and successful Son of Marshall.”
Kopp said a diverse group of approximately 30 individuals were considered for the position. Ten formal applications were invited and received.
“I want to thank the members of the search committee and our search consultant, Mr. Bob Beaudine, for their contributions and hard work,” Kopp said.
Neal Smatresk, acting president at UNLV, said UNLV’s loss is Marshall University’s gain.
“Our program has thrived under Mike’s leadership and I’m really proud of our scholar athletes and their success,” Smatresk said. “Mike has had an impact on the success of our teams and he has a place in the heart of the community here in Las Vegas. We wish Mike and Soletta (his wife) the very best at Marshall.”
Hamrick played football at Marshall University from 1976 to 1980, starting at linebacker and defensive end his last two years. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in education from Marshall, he earned his master’s in sports administration from Ohio University in 1981.
Prior to his current position at UNLV, Hamrick was director of athletics at East Carolina University from 1995 to 2003. He also has been AD at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, assistant AD at Illinois State in Normal, Ill., and assistant AD at Kansas University in Lawrence, Kansas.
“It’s great to be back home,” Hamrick said. “I am thrilled to be rejoining the Marshall University family and plan to work hard to help advance the success of Thundering Herd athletics in all facets. I thank President Kopp for giving me this opportunity.”
Hamrick is a native of Clendenin, W.Va., and a graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. He and Soletta are the parents of three children – twin sons, Brett and Justin (21), and daughter, Mollie Ann (18).