EIU Athletic Director Tom Michael returning to University of Illinois

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WAND) - Eastern Illinois University Athletic Director Tom Michael will transition to a new role as Deputy Director for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini later this month.

Michael was appointed at EIU in 2014. EIU President Jay Gatrell said, "Tom's impact on Panther Athletics has been extraordinary. His legacy is defined by a commitment to the student-athlete experience and competing at the highest level. I wish him the very best as he returns to his alma mater as this is an amazing opportunity for an outstanding leader. Most importantly, I wish him and his family all the best."

Under his leadership, the Panthers captured their fourth Commissioner's Cup in 2024, alongside multiple Ohio Valley Conference championships in Volleyball, Softball, Baseball, Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track & Field (M/W Indoor & Outdoor).

Michael described his time in Charleston as a "great situation."

President Gatrell has appointed Dr. Austin Cheney, Deen of the Lumpkin College of Business & Technology, to serve as acting director. Dr. Cheney will also chair the national search for the next Director of Panther Athletics, which is set to begin later this month.