Wright State Director of Athletics Cusack to Retire
March 25, 2008
After more than a quarter century of service, Wright State University director of athletics Michael Cusack, Ed.D., announced his retirement effective June 30, 2008 at a press conference Tuesday morning.
Cusack, in his 26th year in his current position, was appointed to the director of athletics in April of 1982 and has been only the second director for WSU since the start of intercollegiate athletics in 1967.He replaced Don Mohr who started the program and retired in 1982.
"Wright State's athletics program has flourished under Dr. Cusack's leadership. For more than a quarter of a century he has led the department to significant achievements in athletics as well as academics," said David R. Hopkins, president of Wright State. "Mike leaves the position of athletic director at the top of his game. And we are pleased he will continue to share his significant expertise, working with the College of Education and Human Services in the development of a new sports management certificate program. I'd like to thank Mike for his past contributions to Raider history and for his continuing commitment to Wright State."
Since his arrival, Cusack has led aggressive movements in Raider athletics, including the change to Division I in 1987, the building of the Nutter Center in 1990, and the construction of the Setzer Pavilion/Mills-Morgan Center in 2005. His tenure has been punctuated with proactive ideas and includes such programs as the Athletics Director's Club, Captain's Club (now the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee), LifeSKILLS program and the Hall of Fame.
Cusack will retire as director of athletics on June 30 and will remain with the University in a new capacity beginning September 1, 2008.Cusack will teach in the Student Affairs in Higher Education program in the College of Education and Human Services and will work to develop a new sports management certificate program. Additionally, he will fundraise in conjunction with the athletics department for future projects.
"Wright State has been a major part of my and my family's lives for 26 years and I look forward to continuing to serve the university and the community," Cusack said.
Under Cusack, the athletics department has seen remarkable growth with new facilities, including the Nutter Center and Setzer Pavilion/Mills-Morgan Center as well as Alumni Soccer Field, Nischwitz Baseball Stadium, WSU Softball Field and the Raider Tennis Courts. On the fields his direction could be felt as well as he led the move to NCAA Division I in 1987, then joined the Mid-Continent Conference in 1990 and finally the Horizon League in 1994.
"When I think of Mike, two words come to mind---integrity and honesty,"said Dan Abrahamowicz, Vice President for Student Affairs. "He not only talked about fairness and compliance in intercollegiate athletics, he ran that type of program. It has also been a program that had student welfare at its heart."
During this period, the Raiders have advanced to NCAA Tournaments in men's basketball (2), baseball (2), women's soccer (3), golf (4), and softball (2). Overall the Raiders have won 37 conference titles and have posted an overall cumulative grade point average better than 3.0 for the past 24 quarters.
A native of Levittown, New York, Cusack earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Long Island University in 1964. He received his Master of Science degree in physical education from Queens College in 1969 and an Ed.D. degree in 1980 from New York University in administration of physical education and athletics.
Following graduation in 1964, Cusack spent nine years at Queens College as a member of the physical education faculty. He served as head baseball coach, assistant basketball coach, and assistant director of athletics. His baseball teams had a combined record of 65-27 with postseason appearances in each of the four years he was coach.
After Queens College, Cusack spent four years as director of athletics and head baseball coach at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Dorothy, reside in Beavercreek, Ohio, and have fivechildren: Michael, David, Jennifer, Kristen and George as well as nine grandchildren.
A search committee led by Dr. Abrahamowicz will be formed immediately with hopes of a new director of athletics starting July 1, 2008.
--Story provided by the Wright State office of sports information
