Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Communication, building relationships, and developing a roadmap are all in the game plan for the new director of athletics at UIS. Chancellor Janet Gooch announced the appointment of Mike Hermann Thursday at the UIS Student Union.

Hermann had plenty of praise for UIS saying the “foundation has already been laid for an outstanding athletics program,” and the university is on an “upwards trajectory.” He adds the chance to come in now and be a part of it is “very exciting.”

Hermann’s goal is to fulfill UIS Athletics’ vision statement of becoming a premier public NCAA Division II program in the Midwest. He plans to work hard to make sure the athletic experience measures up to the academic experience that the students receive at UIS.

Hermann is leaving his position with the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California where he is in his third year as the senior associate director of athletics for external operations. He brings more than 18 years of experience as a director of athletics to the position, including serving in that position at Niagara University and Towson University.

Hermann earned a bachelor’s degree at John Carroll University in Cleveland and a master’s degree from Kent State University. Hermann’s appointment is pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. He plans to start in the position June 17th.