KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Western Michigan University President Russ Kavalhuna has announced Alex Gary as the University's next Vice President and Director of Athletics. An introductory press conference for Gary will be held in Kalamazoo on Thursday, October 1.

Gary comes to Western Michigan from Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he has served as deputy athletic director for external relations since 2025. He has led philanthropic strategy and helped establish Mustang Partners, an initiative that brings together athletics fundraising, corporate partnerships and other revenue opportunities. During his first year overseeing SMU's development operation, his team secured $98.6 million in gifts and commitments, including $50 million in commitments from four principal donors to anchor a new major-giving society.

"During our nationwide search, Alex quickly set himself apart because he brings the experience and values of Western Michigan," said WMU President Russ Kavalhuna. "Having sat in the athletics director's chair, he understands the responsibility of leading an entire department, supporting coaches and staff, and putting student-athlete success and comprehensive well-being at the center of every decision. He also has a proven track record as a fundraiser and knows how to bring people together to build the resources our programs need. I appreciate the thoughtful engagement of our Board of Trustees and campus partners throughout this search. Alex is the right leader to build on the momentum of Bronco Athletics."

Before joining SMU, Gary spent five years as director of athletics at Western Carolina University, where he led a department serving nearly 400 student-athletes with a focus on competitive excellence and student-athlete success. He advanced major facility projects and helped lead athletics' efforts in the university's Fill the Western Sky campaign. During the campaign's three active years, athletics secured 37 commitments of $100,000 or more, compared with seven in its prior history. Gary also secured the two largest sponsorship agreements in department history and increased game-day revenue by 50%, producing three consecutive record years.

Under his leadership, student-athletes maintained a cumulative GPA above 3.0 and averaged nearly 5,000 hours of community service annually. Gary also established Western Carolina's first full-time student-athlete development position and launched WHEE CLIMB (Creating Leaders in Mountains and Beyond), a program focused on personal growth, leadership development and career readiness. His head coaching hires in men's basketball, baseball and football helped revitalize the programs and position them as Southern Conference contenders.

"My family and I are incredibly honored to join Western Michigan University and become part of this community. Western Michigan has tremendous momentum, and I believe the opportunity in front of us is significant," said Gary. "We will build on what has already been accomplished, raise our ambition and accelerate the momentum already underway. I truly believe the best days of Bronco Athletics are still ahead."

Gary's career also included development leadership roles Oregon State University, the University of Maryland, and the University of Michigan. At Oregon State, he led 16-person development team that raised nearly $26 million in 2019, then a department record and helped develop the department's five-year strategic plan with a focus on financial sustainability. At Maryland, he helped grow the Terrapin Club's annual giving from $8.3 million in 2014 to $11.4 million in 2016. At Michigan, he secured $12.8 million in athletics capital and endowment priorities. He began his career at UNC Charlotte where he supported fundraising efforts for the launch of UNC Charlotte's football program.

Gary has served on the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee and the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master's degree in business administration from UNC Charlotte. Gary and his family have ties to southwest Michigan: his wife is from St. Joseph, and they have family in Kalamazoo.

An official introductory press conference will be held in Kalamazoo on Thursday, October 1. Details on time, location, and how to watch will be shared soon.

What They Are Saying About Alex Gary
Damon Evans, Director of Athletics, Southern Methodist University  
"Western Michigan has landed a rising star in our industry! Alex is extremely equipped to handle today's evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics.  His leadership and understanding of revenue generation will bode well for Western Michigan."
 
Jay Hartzell, President, Southern Methodist University
"Alex distinguished himself in his time at SMU through his energy, insights, and ability to bring people together to work toward ambitious goals. I know he will do the same at Western Michigan.  We will miss him but I'm excited to see what he will do as part of the WMU leadership team!"
 
Scott Barnes, Former Director of Athletics, Oregon State University
"Alex has worked hard to ready himself for this opportunity. There isn't a first time FBS AD in the country who is better prepared to take on today's complex and challenging environment that is collegiate athletics. He will cast a bold vision for WMU and is one of those unique individuals who has the ability to connect with a large array of constituents."
 
Dr. Kelli R. Brown, Chancellor, Western Carolina University
"Alex left a lasting mark on Catamount Athletics at Western Carolina University. He led our program during a period of significant change across collegiate athletics and was always a strong advocate for competitive success and the well-being of student-athletes. Under his leadership, Catamount Athletics strengthened its competitive foundation, expanded opportunities for student-athlete development, and advanced key institutional priorities. I am grateful for his leadership and service to Western Carolina. His vision and deep commitment to student-athlete success will serve Western Michigan University well."
 
Dan Bartholomae, Vice President and Director of Athletics, Michigan State University
"Alex Gary is a dynamic and collaborative leader who commits himself and those around him to excellence. More importantly, I know he is a great person and a great teammate from our time together at Oregon State University.  I'm excited to have him and Katie here in the State of Michigan and to watch him raise WMU to new heights."