EIU Athletic Director Tom Michael Returns to the University of Illinois
by EIU Athletics
CHARLESTON, IL (05/05/2026) From eiupanthers.com
For twelve years, Eastern Illinois University’s tenth Athletic Director, Tom Michael, has led Panther Athletics to sustained success in both competition and the classroom. Later this month, Mr. Michael will transition to a new role as Deputy Director for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. A two-time UIUC graduate and former student-athlete (1991-1994), Michael served as Senior Associate AD at Illinois before his appointment at EIU in 2014.
“Tom’s impact on Panther Athletics has been extraordinary,” said EIU President Jay Gatrell. “His legacy is defined by a commitment to the student-athlete experience and competing at the highest level. I wish him the very best as he returns to his alma mater as this is an amazing opportunity for an outstanding leader. Most importantly, I wish him and his family all the best.”
Under his leadership, the Panthers captured their fourth Commissioner’s Cup in 2024, alongside multiple Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championships in Volleyball, Softball, Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field (M/W Indoor & Outdoor). Michael also oversaw a period of transformational growth, securing donor investments for the Schnorf Family Victory Suite, Frost Field, Gardella Family Court, Groninger Arena, and the Lantz Weight Room. Furthermore, his strategic partnerships with First Mid Bank & Trust and Sarah Bush Lincoln have significantly enhanced EIU’s facilities and overall competitiveness.
Beyond the field, the Panthers have excelled academically during Michael’s tenure, leading the OVC in Commissioner’s Honor Roll selections and Academic Medal of Honor winners in eight of the last ten years. Under his leadership, EIU was also recognized with the 2024 & 2025 OVC Sportsmanship award that recognizes collegiality, service, and the best values of sport.
Mr. Michael expresses his deep gratitude to the staff and the Eastern Illinois community for their unwavering support of intercollegiate athletics. Reflecting on his 12-year tenure at EIU, he described his time in Charleston as a “great situation,” highlighting the support of President Gatrell, the passion of the coaches, and the dedication of the student-athletes who “represent the Panthers in a first-class fashion.”
President Gatrell has appointed Dr. Austin Cheney, Dean of the Lumpkin College of Business & Technology, to serve as acting director. Dr. Cheney will also chair the national search for the next Director of Panther Athletics, which is set to begin later this month.
