The 3.2 GPA and 85% Graduation Rate UAA Welcomes With New AD Michael Bazemore

Alright Seawolf Nation, listen up! The news dropped today and it's a game-changer for UAA athletics, for real. Michael Bazemore is officially your new Athletic Director, and trust me, this guy's resume is absolutely stacked. Seriously, get ready to feel good, because the future of Seawolf sports just got a massive shot in the arm!

Michael Bazemore's Track Record Is Legit

This dude isn't new to the GNAC scene at all. For the last five years, he was leading the charge as AD over at Montana State-Billings, a direct rival of UAA. Talk about knowing the landscape! But his experience goes way deeper than just that. We're talking serious NCAA chops, folks. He was even an assistant director for academic and membership affairs at the NCAA national office in Indy. Plus, he's got stops at Metropolitan State University, Truman State University, and the University of Sioux Falls on his resume. Oh, and get this, the man played football at Michigan State University. He's been in the trenches as a student-athlete and clearly knows what it takes.

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Those Academic Stats Are Fire

But here's the real kicker, the stats that should make every UAA fan absolutely cheer: under Bazemore's watch at MSU-Billings, that athletic department wasn't just competing hard, they were killing it in the classroom too. We're talking a rock-solid 3.2 departmental grade-point average and an incredible over 85% of eligible student-athletes graduating every single year. That's not just good, that's elite-level stuff! Chancellor Cheryl Siemers totally gets it, calling him an "outstanding choice" who can make an "immediate impact" due to his deep Great Northwest Athletic Conference knowledge and expertise in compliance. And Bazemore himself is clearly pumped, saying he's "extremely excited to join the Seawolves family." He's not just aiming to contribute either, he wants to "elevate" that standard of competitive excellence UAA already displays. That's the kind of talk you want to hear from your new leader, right?

So, what's officially next for the Seawolves under this new leadership? Bazemore steps into the role on July 19, taking over from Tanya Pont, who's been holding down the fort as acting AD since Ryan Swartwood stepped down last October. Think about this: this dude is only the 10th AD for UAA since they hit NCAA status back in 1977. That's a huge moment for the program! He's bringing his whole family, his wife Jaime, daughter Maxi, and son Major, to Anchorage this summer, ready to dive in. Keep an eye on UAA, folks. With this kind of proven leadership, the future looks incredibly bright for Seawolf athletics, both on the field and in the classroom. Can't wait to see what he accomplishes!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.