Western Michigan University has named Oregon State deputy athletic director Dan Bartholomae as the school's new AD in a statement released on Thursday.

Bartholomae replaces the retiring Kathy Beauregard, who is departing next week after 25 years as WMU's athletic director.

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Dan's hiring still needs to be approved by the Western Michigan Board of Trustees.  But that is expected to happen easily and quickly when the Board meets next on January 20th.

Bartholomae was responsible for fundraising and other duties at Oregon State as the school's deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer.  He was in Corvallis since 2017.  He served in various administrative roles at the University of Pittsburgh for 15 years, starting in 2002.  He is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native.

“I am thrilled to be joining all Bronco student-athletes, coaches, staff and surrounding fans and partners in creating a first-class experience for all those invested in Bronco Athletics,” Bartholomae said.

The Bronco football team will play Nevada in the Quick Lane Bowl next Monday at Ford Field in Detroit.  WMU was 7-5 this season under head coach and Western alum Tim Lester (pictured above with Syracuse head coach Dino Babers).

Western's hockey team is off to a great start this season, too.  They are 13-5 so far, and ranked 4th in the nation in the USCHO poll, and are rated 6th in the PairWise Rankings (which determine the teams that qualify for the NCAA Tournament in March).

Kathy Beauregard announced her retirement back in November.  Her 25 years of service in the AD role is one of the longest tenures in Division I athletics.  She was one of only nine women to serve currently as an AD to a Division I school.

 

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