December 13, 2017

President Rita Cheng selected Mike Marlow to lead Northern Arizona University’s athletics program and introduced him to the Lumberjack family on Wednesday morning.

Marlow is serving as deputy director of athletics for the Washington State University Cougars in Pullman, Washington. For the past seven years, he directed the athletic fund, marketing, ticket operations and communication efforts, as well as serving as the athletic department’s liaison for lucrative sports broadcasting contracts. He also is the administrator for the football, men’s basketball and baseball programs.

Under Marlow’s leadership, the athletic fund at WSU has seen record numbers, doubling totals in both membership and contributions, while home football attendance improved to more than 93 percent.

“Mike rose to the top from a very impressive field of candidates. He is a strategic leader with the experience and background needed to elevate NAU’s athletic program,” Cheng said. “I was most impressed by his commitment to the student-athlete experience and his collaborative approach to working with campus and community groups. Mike is uniquely situated to help move the Northern Arizona University athletic program forward, and I am excited about his proven ability to recruit and manage coaches and staff, as well as his dedication to increasing student body engagement and external support.”

Tremendous interest in this position drove the process. Immediately after the position became open, NAU’s contracted search firm, Parker & Associates, received inquiries from a number of strong candidates. A search committee was formed quickly to review and interview candidates from an extensive field of individuals which ultimately led to the selection of Marlow to lead NAU athletics.

Prior to Washington State, Marlow served for more than 12 years as the senior associate athletic director at the University of Oregon during a time that produced attendance records, tripled annual fundraising numbers, secured major donations necessary for an expanded football stadium, a new basketball arena and a new baseball stadium. Before Oregon, Marlow was the assistant athletic director at the University of Idaho. A 1990 graduate of Washington State, Marlow began his career in intercollegiate athletics as the assistant director of the Grizzly Athletic Association at the University of Montana.

“I’m so happy to be coming to NAU and for my family to be a part of this Lumberjack community,” Marlow said. “In meeting with President Cheng and understanding her commitment to athletics, combined with this wonderful Flagstaff community, it became a very appealing opportunity that we just could not pass up.”

Pending the approval of Marlow’s appointment and salary by the Arizona Board of Regents, he will begin working at NAU in mid-January.

Source: http://news.nau.edu/mike-marlow/