By Dan Weber
NKyTribune sports reporter
Northern Kentucky University has found its man, naming Creighton University Deputy Athletic Director Mike Odom as the school’s vice-president and director of athletics Wednesday.
Odom, who grew up in the Atlantic Coast Conference as a North Carolina State grad and longtime key part of the Wake Forest University athletics department, comes to NKU after three years at Creighton, where he was responsible for external relations and led the program to sellout seasons in multiple sports.
“As director of athletics, Odom will oversee NKU’s Division I athletics program, leading more than 600 student-athletes, coaches and staff while advancing the university’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence, student-athlete success and community engagement,” the NKU release said.
“Mike stood out throughout this national search because of his strategic leadership, authentic communication, record of revenue generation and commitment to student-athlete success,” said NKU President Cady Short-Thompson. “College athletics is evolving rapidly, and we have a dynamic leader who understands both the opportunities and the challenges ahead. We are excited to welcome Mike and his family to NKU and are confident he will build strong relationships on campus and throughout our community as he leads Norse Athletics forward.”
Odom joins NKU from Creighton in Omaha, a member of the Big East Conference, but much of his career involved leadership positions in athletics administration “at North Carolina State University and Wake Forest University,” the NKU release added. ”Odom joins NKU with experience in areas including strategic planning, fundraising, revenue generation, student-athlete support, external relations and championship success.”
“I am deeply honored and grateful to President Cady Short-Thompson and the search committee for the opportunity to serve as the next director of athletics at Northern Kentucky University,” Odom said in the release. “Throughout this process, I was inspired by the university’s vision, its commitment to building meaningful connections throughout the region and its unwavering dedication to providing an exceptional experience for student-athletes. I am excited to work alongside the talented coaches, dedicated staff and outstanding student-athletes as we pursue excellence in every aspect of the collegiate experience—from competition to the classroom to service in the community. Together, we will build on the proud tradition of Norse Athletics while embracing new opportunities to grow and succeed. My family and I are thrilled to join the NKU community and are excited to call Northern Kentucky home.
Odom, who will be introduced to the NKU community in a 2 p.m. press conference Thursday on campus, will begin his tenure August 3. He replaces Christina Roybal, who resigned in March, after more than three years at NKU.
Contact Dan Weber at dweber3440@aol.com. Follow him on X @dweber3440.