CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The University of Illinois has announced the return of former Fighting Illini basketball player Tom Michael as Deputy Director of Athletics, effective May 14. Michael previously spent 18 years with Illinois in various administrative roles before serving 12 years as Director of Athletics at Eastern Illinois University (EIU).

As deputy director, Michael will oversee football and men’s and women’s track and field/cross country programs, facilities management, capital projects, and business operations while contributing to the university’s competitive strategy and NCAA governance.

During his tenure at EIU, Michael led the Panthers to 24 conference titles, oversaw record fundraising and facility improvements, and supported holistic student-athlete development, including increased graduation rates and community service initiatives. He also held leadership roles at the conference and national levels, including chairing the Ohio Valley Conference athletic directors and serving on NCAA committees.

Michael played four seasons for Illinois from 1991–94, appearing in 115 games, participating in two NCAA tournaments, and setting school records for career and single-season three-point percentages. He earned a bachelor’s in speech communication and a master’s in sport management from Illinois.

“I am thrilled to come back home and work with Josh Whitman and the outstanding team he’s assembled,” Michael said. “There is a tremendous amount of pride in the success being achieved across Illinois athletics.”

Michael and his wife Shana have three children and one grandson. He succeeds the position left vacant in January after Roger Denny became Athletics Director at the University of Oklahoma.