University of Tennessee Athletics
Mike Hamilton
 |
Mike Hamilton
Athletics
Director
When Mike Hamilton became athletics director for the University of Tennessee athletic program in July 2003, he wanted to create a more fan-friendly environment.
One of Hamilton's first tasks as athletics director was the launch of "Ask Mike," an e-mail hotline that allows fans quick access to Hamilton for their comments, suggestions and concerns through the UT athletics Web site.
Hamilton also instituted a fan information system -- both outside Neyland Stadium and within Thompson-Boling Arena -- of booths manned by UT staffers to help fans find their way around. A promotional highlight of the 2003 football season was celebration of the "25 Millionth Fan" to enter Neyland Stadium since official records keeping began.
In his first full year as AD, Hamilton made a point to be accessible to Tennessee fans, speaking to more than 75 civic organizations, community groups and university organizations across the state. For the 2005-2006 season, Hamilton has extended the ticket office hours and began implementing a better online ticket ordering system to improve accessibility for fans.
Hamilton continues to provide new and exciting ventures for the Volunteer Family to experience. Last year, he initiated a "Letterman's Reunion Weekend," at the football season opener that included retro jerseys for the Vols as well as invitations to all former Tennessee football players and their families to return to Knoxville for a weekend of get-togethers and fellowship. This year, Hamilton plans to continue the tradition by inviting all former basketball lettermen back for the football opener against UAB.
Another major focus for Hamilton is 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. To fund the future of Neyland Stadium and the continuance of Tennessee's prominence on the national stage, several revenue streams have been devised to lower the economic impact for the common fan. The renovations will be completed in five phases beginning after the 2005 season during the off-seasons to alleviate inconveniences on fans. Hamilton is also focused on other facility projects as the Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center, a new soccer stadium, a new softball stadium, as well as plans for improvements to Thompson-Boling Arena and Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
Also on his mind are what he identifies as "five core values" that guide his tenure as AD:
- Complying with NCAA and SEC rules;
- Competing for championships;
- Running a financially sound operation;
- Graduating student-athletes; and
- Continuing a pattern of service to the community and state, with the athletics department as a positive role model.
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 42-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 staff in 1992. He earlier had served as a graduate assistant in fundraising at his alma mater, Clemson University.
Hamilton was honored in the spring of 1998 when the National Association of Athletic Development Directors named him National Fundraiser of the Year.
Hamilton and his wife, the former Elizabeth Merrill, also from Brevard, are parents of an 9-year-old daughter, Madison, and a 6-year-old 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, 9; Matthew, 6 |
