CLEVELAND — Cleveland State University has named Mike Alden as senior advisor to the president for athletics. The former athletic director at the University of Missouri will take charge of the Vikings' 18 Division I sports and athletics operations on an interim basis effective February 1.
Alden replaces Mike Thomas, who tendered his resignation as CSU athletic director last month.
“Mike Alden has a tremendous history of success at multiple institutions and a national reputation for promoting athletic and academic excellence,” said Cleveland State president Harlan M. Sands in a statement. “We are looking forward to having his advice and counsel on campus as we seek a permanent leader for Vikings athletics.”
Alden served for 17 years as athletic director at the University of Missouri before retiring in 2015. During his tenure, Missouri made the move from the Big 12 Conference to the Southeastern Conference and raised over $240 million for capital projects in the athletics program, including construction of a new basketball facility as well as renovation of its historic football stadium.
Most recently, Alden served in an identical advisory role at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, as the UMKC department worked through changes and needed to assess its future.
“I am looking forward to working with President Sands during this exciting time,” Alden says. “He is committed to building upon the success of CSU athletics, and I am committed to helping advance the cause.”
