Kathy Beauregard plans December retirement, national search for new AD to start immediately

Dear colleagues,
 
It is with a sense of sadness but deep appreciation that I am announcing Director of Athletics Kathy Beauregard has decided to retire after a remarkable career spanning 42 years at WMU. From the moment AD Beauregard first joined campus as our gymnastics coach in 1979, she dedicated her life to advancing our student-athletes and Bronco pride.
 
Our trailblazing colleague, who remains one of few women to head an intercollegiate athletics division among the nation's Football Bowl Subdivision schools, has been recognized repeatedly for her leadership in college sports statewide and nationally. She has led WMU Athletics with remarkable integrity and high standards, as evidenced by the fact WMU has never been cited for a major violation of NCAA rules during her tenure. On and off the field, WMU Athletics has experienced many successes during AD Beauregard’s time in leadership, including the memorable trip to the Cotton Bowl in 2017 and producing numerous All-Americans and Academic All-Americans over the years. Her work has been recognized through a great number of awards, including most recently the 2020 Women of Achievement & Courage Award by Michigan Women Forward.
 
We are grateful for her many contributions over the past four decades to our University, to our student-athletes and to our community. I am sure you will join me in wishing Kathy and her husband, Rick, well as they embark upon their next chapter. Her last day will be Dec. 31.
 
A Search Advisory Committee, with the assistance of the firm DHR International, will conduct a national search to identify candidates for this important role. The process will begin immediately.  
 
Thank you,
 
Edward Montgomery
President