Third finalist for athletics director scheduled to visit campus
Alford is senior associate athletics director for administration and development at the University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma senior associate athletics director for administration and development was the third of four finalists scheduled to interview on campus to become Central Michigan University's next athletic director.
Times and locations for the athletic director interviews were not disclosed. Members of the public were not included in the interview process. No further information about today's scheduled interview is available.
Unlike other recent searches conducted by the university, such as the Dean of Libraries, College of Communications and Fine Arts Dean and the Provost, the search for the athletic director does not include public forums for students and staff to participate in.
Each finalist will have four interviews at CMU where they will meet with President George E. Ross, the president's cabinet, head coaches and senior athletic department staff, and the search committee.
Former Director of Athletics Dave Heeke became athletics director at the University of Arizona after spending 11 years at CMU. Heeke's replacement is expected to earn about $250,000.
Michael Alford earned a bachelor's degree in communications at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1995. Two years later, he earned a master's degree in athletics administration from the University of Arkansas. In 2012, Alford joined OU where oversees the Sooner Club and the principal fund-raising arm of the university's athletic department, and serves as the sport administrator for men’s basketball, as well as men’s and women’s tennis.
Alford joined OU from the NFL's Dallas Cowboys where he served as senior director of corporate partnerships and sales since 2008. During his tenure with the Cowboys, he cultivated corporate relationships that resulted in over $400 million in contractual revenue for the club. He managed all aspects of programming for Cowboys Stadium, which opened in 2009, and has hosted numerous college football contests, concerts and other marquee events, including Super Bowl XLV.
As well as managing day-to-day operations for the marketing and sales department for the Cowboys and the Cowboys Cheerleaders, Alford managed inventory and new business development for the Cowboys' television and broadcast asset. He was also responsible for oversight of all facets of sponsorships, publications and internet, as well as the broadcast and telecast media departments for the Cowboys.
In February 2014, The Oklahoman released some of the University of Oklahoma's self-reported NCAA rules violations. Alford made the list of minor violations with a congratulations Tweet to head coach Lon Kruger and OU basketball after a recruit committed to the school on the same day. Alford sent the Tweet on April 17, 2013 and deleted it five minutes later.
Last October, Alford was announced as a finalist for the athletics director at the College of Charleston. The three candidates visited campus on Oct. 17-18, 2016, for interviews with the search committee and meetings with coaches, faculty, staff, student-athletes and college administrators.
On April 17, Central Michigan Life requested, through the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, the applications of eight candidates interviewed by the search committee by phone or Skype. On April 25, the university requested an additional 10 days to fulfill the request. Central Michigan Life is appealing the decision. Under the university's request, the application material will not be released until May 9, which is the final day of interviews.
Bob Martin, vice president for advancement and chair of the 16-member search committee, said in a statement requested by CM Life that "most universities have confidential athletic director searches and use a search firm for them."
Martin stated the university saved $100,000 by appointing staff, faculty and student athletes to the search committee instead of hiring a search firm. When asked how much the university is spending on the AD search, Martin said he could not provide the cost until after the interview process is over.
University of Notre Dame's senior associate athletics director for student-athlete services Mike Harrity was the first finalist to interview on campus for athletic director position. He visited CMU May 1. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley director of intercollegiate athletics Chris King was the second to visit campus on May 2. Marie Tuite, interim athletics director at San Jose State University will be the last finalist to interview on campus. She will visit CMU tomorrow.
Ross is expected to make an offer to a candidate to fill the position by June 1.
