Former Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics Director Mike Pollio will return as the Special Consultant to the President for Athletics, as announced by President Dr. Craig Turner.
Pollio has accepted the position, effective immediately, on an interim basis during the search period for a new Director of Athletics.
He will oversee the corporate sponsorship program, marketing and promotions plus other responsibilities for the 13 Panther sports.
“We are very pleased to have Mike back at Kentucky Wesleyan College,” Turner said. “He brings a wealth of experience with a proven record to be an outstanding athletic administrator and fundraiser.
“Mike understands the commitment and resources it requires for a college and athletic department to enable our student-athletes to compete in the NCAA.”
“Even after 26 years from KWC, Mike's passion for the College still burns bright. He has maintained a tremendous interest and knowledge through his friendships with faculty, staff, Panther fans and the Owensboro community.”
Starting his 46th year in athletics, Pollio came to KWC in April 1980 as AD and head men's basketball coach until April 1985 before leaving for Virginia Commonwealth University.
During his tenure as leader of the Panther program, he revived football in 1983 after a 53-year absence; implemented an intensive and successful corporate sponsorship campaign; built the Woodward Health and Recreation Center and developed the Foster Softball Field; started women's cross country; increase basketball attendance to the Top Five in Division II for four seasons; guided KWC to a second place finish for the prestigious Great Lakes Valley Conference All-Sports Trophy in 1983; had teams win six league titles in men's golf, softball, women's tennis, and men's basketball to go on to postseason play.
“I am very appreciative of Dr. Turner's offer to return to Kentucky Wesleyan and help the Panther athletic program again where I spent the best five years of my life,” stated Pollio.
"This is a magical time to be back especially with Dr. Turner's leadership and vision for KWC and the athletic program. I cannot imagine how any KWC supporter would not want to be part of this.
“Everyone must know that excellence for KWC athletics is a team effort. This cannot be achieved by saying we back the Panthers.
“We must all step up and financially commit to KWC to give our student-athletes and coaches the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and on the competitive field."
Pollio retired from the Mid-South Conference in June, 2010, after serving eight years as Commissioner. The league was recognized as one of the Top Five in the NAIA.
The MSC enjoyed several notable successes under Pollio's administration, including: increased membership from six to 17 full or part-time members; created a conference radio network in five states; partnered with Wazoo Sports TV for games of the week in baseball, basketball, football, basketball and softball; raised more than $400,000 to support conference tournaments; and partnered with the Louisville Sports Commission to bring NAIA national championships and the national convention to Kentucky.
Campbellsville (Ky.) University President Michael Carter said. “Mike Pollio's professionalism and ability to be fair in his work across the various sports has made each of our MSC schools stronger.”
“Commissioner Pollio always kept the 'student' in 'student-athlete,'” said Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College President William T. Luckey Jr. “He never lost sight that students must always be at the center of intercollegiate athletics.”
Before going to the Mid-South Conference, Pollio was the associate athletics director for major gifts and special projects at the University of Louisville for eight years from 1992 to 2001.
Pollio coordinated the fund-raising campaign for Papa John's Cardinal Stadium which generated over $28 million in private donations.
He also headed up the fund-raising campaign for Cardinal Park, which houses playing fields for softball, soccer, and track and field; Ralph Wright Natatorium; and a renovation of Parkway Field for baseball.
U of L's Hall of Tradition was erected under Pollio's direction and his efforts also produced funding for a bronze sculpture of the Cardinal Bird at the entrance to Cardinal Arena.
Pollio also spent 27 years on the sideline as head basketball coach at KWC, Virginia Commonwealth University and Eastern Kentucky University and as assistant coach at VCU and Old Dominion University.
The native and resident of Louisville and his wife, Ann, have four children and five grandchildren.
