The Athletic Board is comprised of students, faculty and alumni who are appointed by the President of Western Michigan University (WMU). The Athletic Board's role is an advisory one. Its primary purposes are to: a) collectively receive information, complaints, and concerns relating to the University's commitment to the missions of academics, athletics and student well-being, b) conduct and report findings of investigations as requested by the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics or the President; c) provide information and recommendations to the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and the President; and d) ensure reporting to other University administrators involving acts covered by, and in accordance with, the University's Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Violence, Intimate Violence, and Stalking Policy and Procedures.
The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at WMU provides reports to the Athletic Board on aspects such as overall athletics budget, ticket sales, team schedules and number of missed class days.
The chairperson of the Athletics Board also serves as the WMU Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) to the NCAA, the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). The FAR provides and receives information to the President of WMU and the Faculty Senate, toward the goal of ensuring that NCAA guidelines are adhered to at WMU relative to the activities and duties of WMU faculty members.
Student-athletes are encouraged and welcome to express their concerns about the vitality of academic-athlete relationships at WMU. In addition, the input of faculty, staff and other members of the University community is integral to the Athletics Board and its mission. All are encouraged to submit questions or comments to the chairperson.
2025-26 Western Michigan Athletic Board
Gary H Bischof, FAR, Professor, Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology and Coordinator, Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling program
Suzan F Smith-Ayers, Professor, Human Performance and Health Education
Jeremy C Hierholzer, Master Faculty Specialist, Lecturer, College of Aviation
Lois Lemon, Master Faculty Specialist, Chemical and Paper Engineering
Scott T Gaynor, Professor, Psychology
Brian J Gogan, Associate Professor, English
Nathan Bolton, Old National Bank,
Ex-Officio Members
Dan Bartholomae
Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics
(269) 387-3061
(541) 760-4786
daniel.bartholomae@wmich.edu
Keanah Smith
Senior Associate Athletic Director Senior Woman Administration
(269) 387-3090
keanah.smith@wmich.edu
Elaine Russell
Senior Associate Athletic Director External Operations
(269) 387-3439
elaine.russell@wmich.edu
Julian Jones
Senior Associate Athletic Director, Broncos Empowered and Championship Culture
(269) 387-3061
julian.jones@wmich.edu
Lorne Robertson
Senior Assoc. Athletic Director Administration, Academics and Compliance
Lorne.robertson@wmich.edu
Brian Bauer
Associate Athletic Director, Director of Medical Services
(269) 387-3089
Brian.bauer@wmich.edu
