Comments Regarding the Hiring of Athletic Director Warde Manuel
1/29/2016 12:00:00 AM | General
Jan. 29, 2016
Former U-M student-athlete Warde Manuel was named the 12th director of athletics in 150 years of Michigan Athletics on Jan. 29, 2016. Manuel, currently the AD at UConn, will begin his five-year appointment March 14. Additional comments will be added as they become available.
• Manuel Named U-M Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Bill Martin, Former U-M Athletic Director (2000-10)
"With the hiring of Warde Manuel, President (Mark) Schlissel has ensured that the Michigan Athletic Department will have an experienced leader with strong ties to Michigan. Warde was a senior member of my leadership team and has broad experience in academic support and sports management, including oversight of football and basketball. He embodies the traditions and culture of Michigan Athletics, going back to his days as a student-athlete/football player at Michigan. The coaches and staff are excited and relieved as the department will now be in the hands of a proven leader whom they know and who brings continuity and stability."
Greg Harden, U-M Associate Athletic Director (1986-current)
"President Mark Schlissel is a visionary who just increased the chance for greatness for Michigan Athletics with the hiring of Warde Manuel. Warde is an amazing leader who can interact with all types of individuals and constituents. He has character, personality, style and integrity combined with amazing charisma that makes anybody who knows Warde love him. I'm excited to see the continued ascension of Michigan under his leadership."
Carol Hutchins, Softball Head Coach and Search Committee Member
"Warde Manuel is the right guy, at the right time! His people skills, his vision for Michigan and his relevant experience make him a great choice for this position."
Corinne Harris, Women's Soccer Student-Athlete and Search Committee Member
"It was an honor to be a part of the search committee. I think that Warde Manuel is a great fit for the AD position, and I am incredibly excited about the future of Michigan Athletics."
Marcia Pankratz, Field Hockey Head Coach
"I'm thrilled to welcome Warde back home to the Michigan family. He's a dear friend who I respect tremendously. Warde values educating young people, doing the best you can both in the classroom and in athletics, and winning championships the right way. I'm proud to have him leading our team."
James Henry, Women's Track and Field Head Coach
"I am really pleased with the selection of Warde Manuel as our new athletic director; a former Michigan athlete and multiple degree-holder is coming home. We followed Warde's success at Buffalo and Connecticut and always hoped that he would eventually end up here. I enjoyed working with Warde when he was here as an athlete and again as a colleague when he was an assistant and associate athletic director. I look forward to working with him as he leads us into a new era of Michigan Athletics."
Mark Rothstein, Rowing Head Coach
"I am really excited to have Warde come back to Michigan to lead our department. I know from working with him years ago what a genuinely great guy he is and how smart and talented he is. Warde's knowledge of and success within college athletics as well as his understanding of the full Michigan community make this an especially good fit. We are really lucky to have him back in Ann Arbor, and I look forward to working with him."
Kurt Golder, Men's Gymnastics Head Coach
"I am thrilled with the announcement of Warde being appointed director of athletics. Warde is a Michigan man through and through, and he'll be able to hit the ground running due to his familiarity with the athletics department at Michigan. With Warde's youth and experience he will also bring longevity and stability to the position and the department. I look forward to the future with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. Go Blue!!!"
Bev Plocki, Women's Gymnastics Head Coach
"I have known Warde for a very long time and have seen him grow into one of the nation's top athletic directors. I look forward to this next chapter in Michigan Athletics and welcoming Warde and his family back to Ann Arbor."
John Paul, Men's Lacrosse Head Coach
"I've known Warde a long time. We were in school together and worked together in the '90s in the athletic department. I know him to be a thoughtful, conscientious leader who loves Michigan. I'm excited to welcome him home."
Mike Aresco, American Athletic Conference Commissioner
"I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Warde Manuel on being named the new director of athletics at the University of Michigan and to thank and recognize him for the many and significant contributions he has made to the University of Connecticut and to the American Athletic Conference. Warde has assumed important Conference leadership positions, serving with distinction as our NCAA Council representative and as Chair of our Athletic Directors Finance Committee. I have valued his counsel and friendship, as have his colleagues at our institutions and in the conference office. Warde was instrumental in helping to establish the strong foundation of the American Athletic Conference and has compiled a distinguished record at the University of Connecticut in support of the academic and athletic needs and accomplishments of UConn's student-athletes, coaches and administrators. Please join me in thanking Warde and wishing him great success as he returns to his alma mater."
Desmond Howard, Michigan Football Alumnus (1988-91)
"I'm elated about Warde's return to Michigan as the University's new athletic director. Although much is often made about having a 'Michigan Man' in place, Michigan simply landed the best man for the job. His deep ties to U-M and his love and respect for our alma mater is the icing on the cake. I am proud to call him a friend, I have profound admiration for him as a sports professional, and I am excited about the future of Michigan Athletics with Warde at the helm."
Tim Williams, Michigan Football Alumnus (1986-89)
"On behalf of those of us who know Warde as a friend, former teammate and leader, we extend our sincere and heartfelt congratulations to President Schlissel and the University of Michigan Regents on the hiring of Warde J. Manuel as the University's 12th athletic director. While his education, experience and credentials qualify him for the role, his interpersonal skills and leadership capabilities make him the right man to continue the tradition of excellence that is Michigan. We are excited for the hundreds/thousands of student-athletes, coaches, staff, students, faculty and alumni who will benefit from Warde's leadership. Today, I can say with great pride that it is truly great to be a Michigan Wolverine."
Yale Van Dyne, Michigan Football Alumnus (1988-91)
"The leadership at the University of Michigan should be 'Hailed' for its appointment of Warde Manuel as our next athletic director! He is a Michigan Man through and through, who is beloved and well-respected everywhere he goes. He is the right man for the job at the right time. Warde possesses a tremendous combination of integrity, intelligence, experience and professionalism, combined with an unparalleled track record of excellence. He endeavors to make those around him better, and his leadership style produces results. I am positive he will be a fantastic resource for our athletic department, coaches/coaching staffs, faculty and, most importantly, our student-athletes. Today is a 'Victors' moment in our school history. Go Blue!"
