HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Michael Gray, who has served as Northern Kentucky University's assistant director for compliance since 2018, has been named director of compliance the Department of Athletics announced on Monday.

"Michael has become an integral part of our athletics department," said Debbie Kirch, Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Student Services/SWA. "He has taken a great deal of initiative to grow professionally over the last three years, while at the same time finding ways to implement improved policies and procedures to help NKU athletics succeed. As an administration, our goal is to do what we can to help our student-athletes, coaches and sport programs be successful. Michael exemplifies that goal every day."

Gray's role has expanded dramatically during his tenure. In addition to promoting an atmosphere of compliance with NCAA rules, as well as developing and implementing a comprehensive compliance program, Gray serves as the primary point of contact within Norse Athletics for NCAA Compliance matters. He monitors and revises NKU's compliance and policy procedures, organizes all rules education sessions and is responsible for all NCAA waiver and rules interpretation submissions.

As Name, Image and Likeness legislation continues to take shape, Gray oversees a committee developing guidance to ensure compliance by Norse Athletics. In addition, he is Northern Kentucky's representative on the Horizon League's Governance Cabinet.

"Being a graduate of Salmon P. Chase College of Law here at NKU, it has been an immense honor and privilege to be able to serve our campus community and watch the NKU Athletics Department grow in my time here," said Gray. "I greatly appreciate Ken, Debbie and the rest of the senior leadership in the department for recognizing my accomplishments in the compliance area. I would not have been able to do this without administration, coaches and student-athletes who are committed to a culture of compliance."