Former Bo Schembechler disciple Warde Manuel is Michigan's 12th athletic director in the university's morbid 150-year athletic history. He begins his five-year contract on March 14.
Michigan made it official 15 minutes prior to Manuel's introductory press conference. Warde previously served as athletics director of the University of Connecticut.
“Athletics plays a key role in the U-M community and beyond. It is a front door to the many activities and values of our community,” said Michigan president Mark Schlissel in a university release. “Warde Manuel knows how to succeed in the classroom, compete on the field and positively contribute to the social fabric of a vibrant university.”
”I am honored to have been selected to serve Michigan as the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics by President Schlissel,” said Manuel. “I look forward to working with all the student-athletes, coaches, staff, faculty, students, donors and fans to continue the Michigan tradition of being 'Leaders and Best.'”
Manuel became the director of athletics at the University of Connecticut in 2012. UConn teams have won six NCAA national championships under Manuel’s leadership – the most ever by UConn teams in a three-year period. In 2014, UConn’s three national championship teams (field hockey and men’s and women’s basketball) all posted perfect 1,000 single-year scores in the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate. This past year, in 2015, 13 UConn teams posted perfect single-year scores. In 2015, Manuel was also named NACDA Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year.
Prior to arriving in Connecticut, he led a 20-sport program at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo from 2005 through 2012. During his tenure, the Buffalo Bulls experienced an unparalleled period of success from an athletic, academic and community service perspective.
Born May 22, 1968, Manuel is a native of New Orleans, who was a high school All-American football player and played for U-M under Schembechler. He earned multiple letters and started at defensive end in his sophomore year.
His football career was cut short by a neck injury and he subsequently lettered as a member of the Wolverines' track and field team.
Source: @UMichAthletics
