The end of a search that went 65 candidates deep ended Saturday as Arizona named Central Michigan's Dave Heeke as its next athletic director and the successor to former UA athletic director Greg Byrne who left the university for Alabama last month. The hire is awaiting approval from the Arizona Board of Regents.
Heeke has 28 years of experience in college athletics and he held his previous position as Central Michigan's athletic director for 11 years. In addition to being an athletic director for the last 11 years he has ties to the Pac-12 as well having previously served as senior associate athletic director/chief of staff at Oregon where he spent 18 years prior to his stint at CMU.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the Arizona Athletics family. 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,” Heeke said in a statement. “I want to thank Dr. Hart and those involved with the search process for their confidence in my ability to lead one of the premiere athletics departments in the country. This program is about excellence and we will continue to focus on achieving at the very highest level athletically and academically, while creating the finest experience in the country for our student-athletes. 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.”
UA's president, Ann Weaver Hart, enlisted the help of former athletic directors Cedric Dempsey and Kathleen "Rocky" LaRose during the search and after going through the candidates Heeke was the choice.
“I am pleased and excited that Dave has accepted the position. I was impressed by his sustained level of accomplishment in promoting superior academic and athletic achievements by their student athletes and his ability to rally record levels of fundraising for facility improvements in all sports,” Hart said. “He has experience at the highest levels of competitive college sports and he is an acknowledged national leader among NCAA athletic directors. Dave is a perfect match for our Wildcat family.”
A noted fundraiser, Heeke has also hired 16 coaches during his time at Central Michigan.
“Dave Heeke is an outstanding hire for the University of Arizona,” Byrne said about his replacement. “His vast experience working with student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans and university communities at CMU and in the Pac-12 makes Dave the perfect selection. I want to commend President Hart, the Arizona Board of Regents and those involved in the search on bringing Dave to Tucson.”
Heeke helped lead renovations of CMU's basketball arena that reached $22 million as well as upgrades to the soccer and lacrosse stadium ($6 million) along with baseball, softball and gymnastics upgrades that cost an additional $10 million.
