Detroit athletic director Brad Kinsman announces retirement

Dec. 1, 2006

After a 35-year career in college athletics, University of Detroit Mercy Athletic Director Brad Kinsman can look back at an impressive career, as he steps down from his position, effective Dec. 31, 2006.

Under his leadership over the last 25 years, the UDM Athletic Department has been extremely successful, seeing growth and improvement during his tenure. Titan teams have won 28 conference championships in 10 different sports, and 11 have made NCAA Championship appearances.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Athletic Director at this outstanding university," said Kinsman. "I have been blessed over the years to have been associated with a dedicated, talented staff and coaches, exemplary student-athletes and extremely generous and supportive alumni and friends of the University. Through these blessings, much has been accomplished and I am so very proud and thankful as I leave the program."

Kinsman has served the University for 35 years in critical roles as educator, ambassador, men's golf coach, administrative leader, and for the past 25 years as Director of Athletics.

During Kinsman's tenure, the Athletic program progressed in many areas. New sports including men's and women's soccer, women's tennis, women's track and cross country and women's golf have been ushered in, giving UDM 16 varsity teams with new sports being added. Fundraising has also been strong with his guidance.

The Athletic Department's facilities have been upgraded with office suites, a new IT system, fitness center, indoor track, softball and soccer fields, and new playing floor in Calihan Hall. Under his leadership, the University also installed new arena bleachers, a Titan Hall of Fame, Olympic Sports Gallery, Academic Hall of Honor, and most recently, a renovated men's basketball locker room named in honor of current Philadelphia 76er and former Titan player Willie Green.

"I am extremely proud of Brad's commitment to strengthening the academic performance of student-athletes, and his tireless work to provide the support to ensure a quality program at UDM," said UDM President Gerard L. Stockhausen S.J., Ph.D. "With his excellent leadership, he has helped build a successful NCAA Division I program."

A recipient of the University's 2005 Mission Leadership Award, Kinsman was recognized as "an example of the best of who we are at UDM."

His award nomination letter acknowledged him as a 'man for others' in the best Ignatian tradition and his advocacy of Woman's Athletics puts him in good stead with the tradition of Catherine McAuley as well. UDM's student-athletes are recognized for their academic excellence, and Kinsman consistently forms our athletes in a style of leadership based not on power but on collaboration through a shared spirit of service.

Kinsman has been actively involved with the Horizon League, and served two separate terms as the conference's president. He has also served on numerous NCAA committees.

Kinsman was also a driving force behind the NCAA's decisions to award Detroit the 2008 Divison I Men's Basketball Midwest Regional, as well as the its crown jewel, the 2009 Final Four, at Ford Field. UDM will serve as the host institution for those major events just as it did for the 1988 and 1991 Midwest Regionals at the Pontiac Silverdome.

Kinsman, 59, is a member of the National Association of College Directors of Athletics and the United States Golf Association. He came to Detroit after receiving his B.Sc. in 1969 from St. Francis Xavier University and his M.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1971.

"We appreciate the many contributions Brad has brought to this institution's athletic program over the past 35 years," said Michael Joseph, vice-president for institutional advancement and enrollment management. "It is our hope that he remain involved in the University in a different capacity, and help us continue the strong momentum he helped create."

Senior Associate Athletic Director Keri Gaither will assume the role of Interim Athletic Director as the University undertakes a national search to fill the position.

Story provided by UDM Office of Sports Information