CSUEB Appoints Jason Carmichael as Director of Athletics

Following an extensive national search, Jason Carmichael has been appointed as Director of Athletics at California State University, East Bay. Carmichael begins his appointment January 30, 2017.

Serving as Director of Athletics at Western State Colorado University for the past two years, Carmichael revitalized the athletics program by enhancing communication and relationships across the institution, and elevating the status of the athletics department.

During Carmichael's tenure, the Mountaineers excelled in competition as well in the classroom. The department finished in the top 40 of the 2015-16 Division II Learfield Director's Cup final standings, led by one of the elite cross country programs in the nation. Western State also made strides in several other sports, with the women's volleyball program qualifying for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Tournament for the first time in 12 years, the women's soccer team making the RMAC Tournament for the first time in program history, and the football program securing an overall winning record for the first time in 14 years.

On the academic side, the Mountaineers posted at least a 3.0 collective grade point average for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 academic years under Carmichael's watch. This was highlighted by the men's wrestling program, which captured the 2016 NCAA DII Academic National Championship with a 3.53 GPA.

"We are thrilled to bring Jason onboard," stated Debbie Chaw, Vice President of Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer. "This is an exciting time for athletics at Cal State East Bay, and I believe his experience and enthusiasm will take the department to a new level."

Prior to taking over as Director of Athletics, Carmichael served for one year at Western State as Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and Internal Operations. Before that, he spent four years as Athletics Director at Mid-South Community College in West Memphis, Ark. Carmichael was the first athletics director in the institution's history and helped establish its first intercollegiate athletic department. During his final two years at Mid-South, he also served as the school's first Dean of Students, while simultaneously holding the position of Regional Coordinator for Women's Sports at the National Junior College Athletic Association.

"I am thrilled about the potential for excellence that the department possesses and the quality of the staff and student-athletes that represent Pioneer Athletics," said Carmichael. "We look forward to quickly forming meaningful relationships with campus and community members while we all work collectively to advance Pioneer Athletics, the University and the communities we serve. I would like to thank President Morishita, Debbie Chaw and the search committee chaired by Veronica Salvador for their diligence in the process and for placing their confidence in me to lead Pioneer Athletics forward."

Carmichael earned his bachelor's degree in Education with an emphasis in Kinesiology from Harding University, and a master's degree in Physical Education, Health, and Recreation from Emporia State University.

Chaw thanked Don Sawyer for his leadership and service as Interim Director of Athletics during the national search. Sawyer will continue in his interim role until Carmichael begins his appointment.