HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY. – Northern Kentucky University has named Mike Odom as its next Vice President and Director of Athletics following a national search.

As director of athletics, Odom will oversee NKU's Division I athletics program, leading more than 600 student-athletes, coaches and staff while advancing the university's commitment to academic and athletic excellence, student-athlete success and community engagement.

"Mike stood out throughout this national search because of his strategic leadership, authentic communication, record of revenue generation and commitment to student-athlete success," said NKU President Cady Short-Thompson. "College athletics is evolving rapidly, and we have a dynamic leader who understands both the opportunities and the challenges ahead. We are excited to welcome Mike and his family to NKU and are confident he will build strong relationships on campus and throughout our community as he leads Norse Athletics forward."

Odom joins NKU from Creighton University, where he most recently served as deputy athletic director for external operations. During his career, Odom has held leadership positions in athletics administration at North Carolina State University and Wake Forest University. Odom joins NKU with experience in areas including strategic planning, fundraising, revenue generation, student-athlete support, external relations and championship success.

"I am deeply honored and grateful to President Cady Short-Thompson and the search committee for the opportunity to serve as the next director of athletics at Northern Kentucky University," said Mike Odom. "Throughout this process, I was inspired by the university's vision, its commitment to building meaningful connections throughout the region and its unwavering dedication to providing an exceptional experience for student-athletes. I am excited to work alongside the talented coaches, dedicated staff and outstanding student-athletes as we pursue excellence in every aspect of the collegiate experience—from competition to the classroom to service in the community. Together, we will build on the proud tradition of Norse Athletics while embracing new opportunities to grow and succeed. My family and I are thrilled to join the NKU community and are excited to call northern Kentucky home."

Odom will begin his tenure as VP and athletics director on August 3, 2026.

"Thank you to John Mason, who has served as our interim vice president and director of athletics, since March," said Short-Thompson, "as well as Vice President Chris Calvert and the search committee for their hard work on this successful and expedited search."

Additional information about Odom, including a full biography, is available at nkunorse.com.

What They're Saying about Mike Odom:

"Northern Kentucky is getting an outstanding person, passionate leader, relationship builder, and tireless worker in Mike Odom. He contributed to some impressive revenue and team performance outcomes here at Creighton over the last three years. And his experience prior to his time in Omaha at NC State, Wake Forest, and the ABCA also make him a great fit for this new opportunity. His greatest attribute is that he always put the interests of others, the student-athletes, coaches and administrators, and the broader Creighton and Omaha before himself. I couldn't be happier for Mike, Kasey, Max, Tate, and Remi as they embark on this new journey."
—Marcus Blossom, McCormick Endowed Director of Athletics, Creighton University

Mike Odom is one of those people who makes everyone around him better. His leadership is rooted in relationships, trust, and a genuine ability to connect people in a meaningful way. During his time at Creighton, Mike has been a great teammate, a trusted friend, and someone who always understood how to bring people together for the good of the department and the student-athletes we serve. Northern Kentucky is getting an outstanding leader and an even better person. We are grateful for the impact Mike has made here, and we wish him, Kasey, and their family nothing but the best in this exciting new chapter.
—Greg McDermott, Men's Basketball Head Coach, Retired, Creighton University
 
"Mike is an outstanding person and administrator.  He has many personal and professional strengths, all of which are based on his integrity and values.  His leadership abilities are evident to all constituencies.  NKU has made a tremendous choice to lead their program as Mike will lead their program with strength and effectiveness."
—Ron Wellman, Athletic Director Emeritus, Wake Forest University
 
"I couldn't be more excited for Mike Odom and Northern Kentucky. Mike is one of the brightest young leaders in college athletics, and this is a tremendous hire for the university. Mike has a great feel for today's college athletics landscape and, more importantly, where it's headed. He's smart, pragmatic, and has a way of bringing people together to move organizations and departments forward. He understands what it takes to build successful programs and meaningful relationships, and he never loses sight of the people at the center of it all. Beyond his experience and knowledge, Mike is simply a first-class person. He's genuine, approachable and someone coaches, student-athletes, alumni and the community will enjoy getting to know. Northern Kentucky is getting an outstanding Athletic Director, but they're getting an even better person. I know he'll make a tremendous impact from day one."
––Craig Keilitz, Executive Director, American Baseball Coaches Association
 
About Northern Kentucky University: NKU is an entrepreneurial state university of more than 15,000 students on a thriving suburban campus nestled between Highland Heights, Kentucky, and bustling downtown Cincinnati. Ranked in the top 30 out of 500 universities nationwide by The Wall Street Journal for exceptional value, we are a regionally engaged university committed to delivering an innovative, student-centered education. We empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives, while contributing to the economic, civic and social vitality of the region. Learn more at nku.edu.