The University of Michigan has extended Warde Manuel’s contract as the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics through June 30, 2030. President Santa J. Ono highlighted Manuel’s impact, noting how student-athletes have excelled in competition and academics during his tenure. Manuel, a former U-M athlete and alumnus, returned to the university in 2016 after serving as the athletic director at the University of Connecticut.
Manuel is the 12th athletic director in the history of U-M and manages 29 sports teams, over 900 student-athletes, a $250 million annual budget, and a 400-person staff, while maintaining financial independence. “I want to express my gratitude to President Ono, Board Chair Kathy White, and the members of the Board of Regents who have been very supportive of me and our athletic department,” Manuel said. “I look forward to continuing the success that we have driven together during this changing landscape in college athletics.”
Under his leadership, U-M secured 52 Big Ten championships since 2020 and clinched the 2023 Football National Championship. Academically, a record 243 student-athletes joined the 2024 Academic All-Big Ten team, which requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Manuel serves on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, representing U-M and the Big Ten as the chairman. On December 10, he will receive the National Football Foundation’s 2024 John L. Toner Award, recognizing his outstanding administrative contributions to college athletics, particularly football.
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