Associate Athlete Director Mike Stevenson to Retire

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan executive associate athletic director Mike Stevenson announced Tuesday (April 13) that he will start a phased retirement from the athletic department on July 1. He will begin a 50-percent appointment through Dec. 31, 2010, at which time he will fully retire from the university. "I have had a wonderful 40-year career at the University of Michigan and feel honored and privileged to have served in this very special place," Stevenson said. "I will miss the people and the excitement, but after 40 years of service, it is time for me to step aside." "I am very pleased that Mike has agreed to stay through December," said U-M Director of Athletics Dave Brandon. "This is stretching him six months beyond his originally planned retirement date and I am grateful for his willingness to give us a bit more time to transition his duties. Mike's knowledge, expertise and years of experience are invaluable." Originally from Durand, Mich., Stevenson received his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University before attending the University of Minnesota, where he earned both his Master of Arts and doctorate in education. He started his professional career at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., in 1965 as an instructor of physical education while coaching football, basketball and baseball. In the following years, Stevenson had stints with the University of Minnesota and University of Hawaii, directing intramural and recreational sports. He came to the University of Michigan in 1970. In 1975, he was named an associate athletics director and head of the department of recreational sports at U-M. In that capacity, he served multiple roles for both the athletic department and university itself, handling everything from teaching, overseeing both Radrick Farms and the U-M Golf Course and serving as interim women's athletic director. His oversight of the athletic department facility expansion will likely be his lasting legacy, overseeing the building and renovation of almost every capital project in the last 30 years. Included among those projects are the Stephen M. Ross Academic Center, the Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex and the Michigan Stadium renovation. Stevenson and his wife Vernee have two children, Andrea and Scott, and a daughter-in-law, Katherine. Contact: Bruce Madej (734) 763-4423