University of Tennessee Athletics
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Mike Hamilton
Athletics Director
UNIVERSITY EXTENDS HAMILTON'S CONTRACT THROUGH 2011
When Mike Hamilton was named athletics director for the University of Tennessee in July 2003, he established "five core values" to guide his tenure as AD:
1. Complying with NCAA and SEC rules: Hamilton knows the importance of ensuring that the University of Tennessee is winning the right way. Earlier this year, he was named to the NCAA Academics, Eligibility and Compliance Cabinet.
2. Competing for championships: Hamilton is focused on ensuring UT has the facilities it needs to compete for championships. In the fall of 2004, Hamilton unveiled a master plan to prepare Neyland Stadium for the next 75 years. One key goal of the master plan was to find a way to fund the renovations without financially impacting the general fan. The renovations will be completed in five phases during the off- seasons to alleviate inconveniences on fans. Phase 1, which includes the expansion of the lower north concourse with new restrooms and concessions, infrastructure improvements and the addition of the East Club, was completed for the 2006 season. Hamilton also is focused on other facility projects such as the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center, the new Regal Soccer stadium, Lee Softball Stadium, Pratt Pavilion basketball practice facility as well as plans for improvements to Thompson-Boling Arena and Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
3. Running a financially sound operation: Hamilton has placed a special emphasis on reducing expenses to ensure that the University of Tennessee can continue to be one of the handful of athletics departments in the country that receives no funds from state subsidies or taxes. The only non- athletics department generated revenue is a $1 million contribution to women's athletics from student fees. During Hamilton's tenure as athletics director, operating expenditures have decreased more than $3 million, while giving to athletics has increased by 50 percent -- from $20.6 million in fiscal year 2003 to $30 million in fiscal year 2006.
4. Graduating student-athletes: In 2005-06, 88 current and former Vols and Lady Vols graduated from the University of Tennessee, continuing Tennessee's athletics commitment to excellence in the classroom. This group boasts 47 SEC honor roll and 71 Thornton Athletics Student Life Center honor roll recognitions. UTAD currently is working with more than 20 former student-athletes who left UT to pursue professional athletic careers and have returned to finish their degree through the Renewing Academic Commitment (RAC) Program through the Thornton Center.
5. Continuing a pattern of service to the community and state, with the athletics department as a positive role model: While Hamilton is focused on ensuring the financial viability of athletics, he also is committed to giving back to the university. Last year, the athletics department contributed more than $23 million to the university in some fashion, including $1.375 million in academic scholarships for non-student athletics, $835,000 for the Pride of the Southland Band, $1.125 million for annual debt service on five university parking garages and $11.99 million in athletics benefits to university employees and students through free or reduced rate tickets to sporting events, licensing revenue and tickets for university alumni association fundraising purposes. Hamilton previously served as Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Operations, earning that promotion in September 2002, and has been on the UT staff since 1992.
The 43-year-old Hamilton, who grew up in Brevard, N.C., served as assistant director of the Deacon Club at Wake Forest University before joining the Vols. He earlier served as a graduate assistant in fundraising at his alma mater, Clemson University.
He was honored in the spring of 1998 when the National Association of Athletic Development Directors named him National Fundraiser of the Year. Hamilton is very active in the Knoxville community, speaking to more than 75 groups every year. He is the chair-elect for the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and currently serves as the state spokesperson for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Hamilton and his wife, Beth, also host an annual Celebrity Golf Classic to benefit adoption services at Bethany Christian Services. To date, the tournament has raised more than $120,000.
Hamilton and his wife, the former Elizabeth Merrill, also from Brevard, are parents of a daughter, Madison, and a son, Matthew.
| HAMILTON'S PERSONAL DATA |
| BORN: Aug. 13, 1963, in Brevard, N.C. HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: Brevard High School COLLEGE EDUCATION: B.S. Accounting, Clemson University 1985, MBA, Clemson University 1988 PROFESSIONAL CAREER: NCNB Corp., Tampa, Fla., 1985-86; Clemson IPTAY Club, 1986-88; Assistant Director, Wake Forest Deacon Club, 1988-92; UT Assistant Athletics Director, Development, 1992-96; UT Associate Athletics Director, Development & Marketing, 1996-2002, UT Senior Associate Athletics Director, Development & Marketing, 2002-03; UT Director of Athletics, 2003-present WIFE: Elizabeth (Beth) Merrill Hamilton CHILDREN: Madison, 10; Matthew, 7 |
