Hackett email that just went out

Submitted by UESWolverine on

Good morning,

I am pleased to share with you that this morning Dr. Schlissel announced Warde Manuel as our next Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. Warde will start on March 14.

Many of us know or may remember Warde. He is a three-time U-M alumnus, with a degree in general studies and a focus in psychology, Master’s in Social Work, and an MBA from our Ross School of Business. He was a U-M student-athlete in football under Bo Schembechler and also competed in track & field. He has also served our athletic department previously as a member of our administration. 

Warde comes to us most recently from the University of Connecticut, where he served as athletic director. I know that you will join me in welcoming him home to Ann Arbor.

The Michigan Athletics community is so fortunate to be celebrating its 150th year. So many have contributed to our tradition throughout the years, and it is humbling to consider the depth of those contributions. This is not only a moment to reflect, but it is a moment to think about the profound impact we can have on the future, and I am excited for Warde's place in that future.

As I wrote back in December when this process began, I am incredibly thankful to Dr. Schlissel for affording me the opportunity to join our athletic community. It has been a life experience that I will treasure. I look forward to supporting Warde through this transition.

I invite you to watch his introductory press conference live beginning at 11:15 a.m. by visiting: http://umich.edu/watch/.

Go Blue!


Jim Hackett

MGoBoard

Don

January 29th, 2016 at 12:03 PM ^

It was Mark Schlissel who brought Hackett on board to right the ship. Considering how new Schlissel was to UM at the time, that was one hell of a decision.

Or to put it another way, it was Manager Schlissel who looked into his dugout and decided the quiet guy on the end of the bench deserved an at-bat in the bottom of the ninth.

*Mgocue beat me to it.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 148446

Sione's Flow

January 29th, 2016 at 12:10 PM ^

Schlissel made an excellent choice in hiring Hackett. Hackett did almost the exact opposite of everything DB implemented. He listened to the community, he appreciated input from people, and he didn't make decisions based on his own ego. He may not get a statue built in his honor, but the man definitely needs a facility named after him.

Joined: 06/05/2011

MGoPoints: 5193

funkifyfl

January 29th, 2016 at 1:46 PM ^

That we could've avoided so much angst if Coleman had hired Manuel, Bates, Long, or any other AD candidate that made so so so much more sense than Dave.

Joined: 01/21/2011

MGoPoints: 3085

SFBlue

January 29th, 2016 at 1:51 PM ^

Hackett exudes professionalism and grace. Michigan was lucky to have his services during what was probably the low point of the football program.  

Joined: 11/02/2009

MGoPoints: 15699