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Veteran Steinbrecher is new MAC commissionerMarch 18, 2009 KALAMAZOO--Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher was appointed commissioner of the Mid-American Conference Sunday by the league presidents at a meeting in Indianapolis following an extensive national search chaired by Western Michigan University President John M. Dunn. Steinbrecher comes to the MAC with 15 years experience as a Division I commissioner, including the past six years with the Ohio Valley Conference, prior to which, he served as commissioner of the Mid-Continent Conference, now known as the Summit League. "Jon [Steinbrecher] has a superior background at the highest levels of intercollegiate athletics," said Dunn. "He is a proven talent, an innovative thinker, with excellent administrative and academic credentials. Clearly, Dr. Steinbrecher shares the same values as the member institutions and its student-athletes, and he will continue our tradition as one of the nation's premier conferences.� "I am honored and humbled to be chosen to lead a conference well-recognized as a leader in academics and athletics," said Steinbrecher. "I am excited to become a part of the proud MAC tradition and eager to get to work." Steinbrecher has served on several NCAA committees, including the Division I Basketball Issues Committee, serving as a member of subcommittees for both men's and women's basketball. In 2007, he was appointed to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Academic Enhancement Group; and in September 2008, he began a three-year term on the NCAA Division I Legislative Council, of which he is vice chair. After receiving a bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University, Steinbrecher went on to earn a master's degree in sports administration from Ohio University and a doctorate of physical education in sports administration from Indiana University. Steinbrecher is the eighth commissioner in the 63-year history of the league and succeeds Rick Chryst, who had served as the MAC Commissioner since 1999. Media contact: Thom Myers, (269) 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu WMU News |
