Hollis officially named MSU’s next athletic director
Michigan State officially named Mark Hollis as its next athletic director on Wednesday. He’s certainly earned it with his years of service to MSU, unique marketing concepts, fund raising, and negotiation skills. We’re hoping that the day to day administrative tasks of running the athletic department won’t interfere with the cutting edge ideas he’s come up with in the past, and that his leadership will lead to even more innovation for MSU athletics in the future.
Hollis, who is also an MSU graduate, has always seemed to be in tune with what Spartans fans are thinking, and enjoys widespread fan support because of it. He now has overwhelming support within the administration as well it seems. President Simon recommended him for the position, and the MSU Board of Trustees unanimously approved it on Wednesday morning.
“Throughout the search process, it became more and more clear that Mark Hollis is someone widely regarded, widely visible, and yes, widely sought,” MSU President Simon said. “To say we found that Mark is competitive nationally would be an understatement. Mark’s loyalty to MSU and his desire to implement his strategic vision are also widely known. This position not only is Mark’s `dream job,’ it is his dream, period.
“It is no secret that since Ron Mason’s retirement announcement, I have taken the opportunity to very closely observe Mark’s management and his leadership first-hand. It was an exam of sorts. I observed how he handles people - from Trustees to coaches to donors to student-athletes. I observed his handling of media, crises, coaches searches, contract negotiations, and planning. I observed his tactical approaches and his strategic approaches. In the end, Mark got a very good report card.
“My recommendation, my endorsement, and my support are based on performance - now and in the future.”
“This process and this result send a signal: we are united and we are unified,” Board of Trustee Chairman Joel Ferguson said. “We were unanimous in our vote. We are unanimous in our support. We are unanimous in our optimism.
“I have known and watched Mark Hollis for a long time. He is the right person. And while Mark is widely known for his marketing and creativity, it would be wrong to stereotype him. He is just as prepared in areas of finance, personnel, and strategic planning.
“Coaches, athletes and broadcasters talk a lot about momentum. I’ve been here a long time, and I can assure everyone that not only do we have momentum - it is accelerating.”