Dear Friends,
 
As you may have heard, I will be retiring from my position as Vice President and Athletic Director at the University of Toledo at the end of my recent contract extension, which concludes in April of 2022. My term on the NCAA Men's Basketball Committee ends following the 2022 Final Four, so the timing will be right for me to step down and begin a new chapter in my life. In the meantime, I look forward to leading the Rockets over the next 15 months and assisting in the smooth transition to new leadership.
 
The toughest part of this decision will be leaving behind the student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and Rocket fans that make this such a special place.  The University of Toledo has been home for me and my family since I accepted my position with the Rockets in January of 2002. In that time, I have led a peerless team of professionals who have worked tirelessly to support our student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence. I cannot thank them enough for their diligent work and contributions to the program. 
 
Over the past 19 years, we have won 36 Mid-American Conference titles, made 11 bowl appearances in football, won a WNIT post-season crown and witnessed countless athletic performances that have put Toledo Athletics in the national spotlight. We have engaged in capital projects that have made our athletic facilities the envy of our conference. Most importantly, I am proud to say that we have made academic achievement a top priority for our student-athletes. Their work in the classroom has been consistently at the top of the MAC, as evidenced by our winning the Mid-American Conference Institutional Academic Achievement Award for the highest overall GPA in the league in six of the past nine years. Simply put, we have been able to develop the right culture for success in academics and athletics in our program.
 
While achievements such as these are important, for me the best part of my time at UToledo has been the relationships that I have formed with so many wonderful student-athletes, coaches, staff and Rocket supporters like you. The University of Toledo is a special place that will always occupy a warm place in my heart. I know my wife, Michelle, and my son, Jack, feel the same way. We have all made many close friends in Toledo and could not have asked for a better place to call home. 
 
I would like to thank UToledo President Gregory Postel, as well as former presidents, the late Daniel Johnson, Lloyd Jacobs and Sharon Gaber, for allowing me the privilege of serving as UToledo's athletic director for the past 19 years. Their leadership and support have helped our program grow and allowed our student-athletes to prosper.
 
Finally, allow me to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your support and friendship. I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you do for the Rockets. You are a big part of what makes this University so special. While my family and I are looking forward to a new chapter in our lives, I know I will miss the personal contact that has made being your athletic director such a rewarding experience. It is my hope that we can stay in touch even after I've stepped down from my post next year.

Best wishes to you all in 2021 and beyond.
 
Take care, stay safe, and as always, Go Rockets!

Mike