Lynn Hickey named Eastern Washington's interim athletics director

Eastern Washington University President Mary Cullinan has named veteran athletics administrator Lynn Hickey to serve as EWU's interim athletic director while the university begins a national search to permanently fill the position.

Hickey, who will begin her duties at Eastern Feb. 12 replaces Bil Chaves, who took a similar post with the University of North Dakota.

"I am very happy to bring a leader with Ms. Hickey's experience to our university," Cullinan said in a news release. "She will be key to maintaining momentum during this transition."

Hickey served for 18 years as associate vice president and director of athletics at the University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA) before leaving in 2017.

During her tenure, the university experienced unprecedented growth by adding football, women's soccer and golf. Hickey also developed a student-athlete centered program that combined academic success, leadership development, strength and conditioning and life skills.

Prior to UTSA, Hickey served as senior athletic director and senior woman administrator at Texas A&M, College Station.

"I am very honored and excited to have been asked by President Cullinan to assist Eastern Washington Athletics during this time of administrative transition," Hickey said.

Hickey will be assisted and advised by EWU senior associate athletic director Pam Parks, who is serving as a senior advisor for the department during the transition.

Cullinan has also named EWU Board of Trustees member Judge James Murphy and Provost Scott Gordon as co-chairs of the search committee. As Eastern goes forward, the search committee will seek input and feedback from students, faculty, staff, and community members.

EWU plans to have a permanent athletic director in place by the end of the academic year to replace Chaves.