Western Michigan University searched the nation and hired a new athletic director to fill a role that has been held for 4 decades.

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Wood reported, WMU has hired Oregon State University's executive deputy athletic director and chief operating officer Dan Barholomae. He is succeeding longtime Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard, who is retiring this month.

Bartholomae has been working at Oregon State since 2017 with a solid record in Division 1 athletics and brings high caliber experience to the Broncos.

"Dan comes to Western with a strong record of service in Division 1 athletics and a commitment to maintaining a program centered on success for our student-athletes on and off the field," President Edward Montgomery said in a press release.

Bartholomae also spent 15 years working at the University of Pittsburgh as a game operations assistant and deputy athletic director. Needless to say, this guy has some serious experience and has a lot to offer the WMU program.

Other qualifications for Bartholomae include a Bachelor of Science degree in policy analysis and public affairs from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

When his position gets final approval, Bartholomae, his wife Lauren, and their two children will be moving to Michigan.

WOOD reported, "I am thrilled to be joining all Bronco student-athletes, coaches, staff, and surrounding fans and partners in creating a first-class experience for all those invested in Bronco athletics."

WMU has a long history of athletics excellence on and off the field or court. Replacing someone who has held a position for nearly half a century is no easy task but looks like the school has done its homework with Bartholomaie who will start the next chapter of WMU's athletic program in the new year.

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