Van Alstine Named Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Western Illinois

Note: Following is the text of a news release issued by Western Illinois University.

MACOMB, Illinois (May 8, 2001) -- Tim M. Van Alstine, senior associate athletics director at Ohio University, has been named director of intercollegiate athletics at Western Illinois University.

Van Alstine's appointment will be effective July 1, according to WIU Vice President for Advancement and Public Services Larry Mortier. He replaces Helen Smiley, who will retire this month after serving as WIU athletic director since 1994.

"Dr. Van Alstine will bring broad-based Division I administrative experience, outstanding external relations and marketing skills, and a high level of personal energy and enthusiasm to our university's athletic program," Mortier said.

"I am very honored and excited about the terrific opportunity at Western Illinois," Van Alstine said. "The coaches and staff are very impressive and I look forward to working with them. There is great potential for athletic and academic success at Western Illinois."

Van Alstine has been senior associate athletics director at Ohio, a member of the NCAA Division I Mid-American Conference, since 1995. He is responsible for external operations of the 20-sport athletic program including marketing and promotions, ticket sales, television and radio broadcast properties, media services and licensing. As a senior member of the Ohio Athletic Department management team, he was instrumental in the success of the athletic department's strategic campaign to improve facilities that resulted in increased private giving to athletics by more than 500 percent. Additionally, Ohio is a perennial leader in student-athlete graduation rates.

Prior to his current position, he served as director of ticket operations at the University of Wisconsin, and earlier was director of athletic services at the University of Maine. He has been an assistant football coach at Loras College (IA), Fordham University (NY) and St. Norbert College (WI). He was an academic counselor for student athletic teams at the University of Illinois.

Van Alstine has a bachelor's degree in English and physical education from St. Norbert College (1982), a master's degree in educational administration and supervision from Fordham University (1984) and a doctorate in athletic and educational administration from the University of Illinois (1992).

Van Alstine and his wife Lynn are the parents of 12-year old twin daughters, Leah and Abby.