Western Michigan hires SMU deputy AD Alex Gary as athletic director

Southern Methodist University's deputy athletic director of external fundraising, Alex Gary, has been chosen as Western Michigan's new athletic director, per the university.

The hire was announced on Monday afternoon.

Gary, who joined SMU in 2025, was primarily in charge of launching "Mustang Partners", SMU's in-house NIL and sponsorship limited-liability company in his time with the program.

"During our nationwide search, Alex quickly set himself apart because he brings the experience and values of Western Michigan," said WMU President Russ Kavalhuna. "Having sat in the athletics director's chair, he understands the responsibility of leading an entire department, supporting coaches and staff, and putting student-athlete success and comprehensive well-being at the center of every decision. He also has a proven track record as a fundraiser and knows how to bring people together to build the resources our programs need. I appreciate the thoughtful engagement of our Board of Trustees and campus partners throughout this search. Alex is the right leader to build on the momentum of Bronco Athletics."

Gary replaces the departed Dan Bartholomae, who took over as athletic director at nearby Michigan State on August 31st after serving as Western's AD since 2022.

Bartholomae, who joined Western from Oregon State, crossed over with Gary from 2019-2020 with that program, and offered a statement of endorsement.

"Alex Gary is a dynamic and collaborative leader who commits himself and those around him to excellence," Bartholomae said. "More importantly, I know he is a great person and a great teammate from our time together at Oregon State University. I'm excited to have him and Katie here in the State of Michigan and to watch him raise WMU to new heights."

(Gary's wife, Katie, is from nearby St. Joseph, with extended family in Kalamazoo.)

Prior to joining SMU, Gary served as athletic director at Western Carolina University, where he led the program for five years. In his time there, Gray led the Catamounts through the height of the COVID pandemic, made several successful coaching hires and looked over a variety of fundraising initiatives which resulted in the development of multiple new facilities on campus– as well as establishing the university's first-ever student-athlete development position.

"My family and I are incredibly honored to join Western Michigan University and become part of this community, Gary said via press release. "Western Michigan has tremendous momentum, and I believe the opportunity in front of us is significant. We will build on what has already been accomplished, raise our ambition and accelerate the momentum already underway. I truly believe the best days of Bronco Athletics are still ahead."

Gary also has experience with the University of Maryland, the University of Michigan and University of North Carolina-Charlotte, where he was instrumental in launching the 49ers football program. He has also served on the NCAA Women's Basketball and NCAA Baseball rules committee over the years.

Gary's introductory press conference will be on Thursday, October 1st, with more details at a later time.