Tanney Stepping Down as WIU Director of Athletics

Western Illinois University Director of Athletics Matt Tanney has announced he will step down from his position to take a similar position at his alma mater Wabash College.

MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois University Director of Athletics Matt Tanney has announced he will step down from his position to take a similar role at his alma mater, Wabash College, effective May 20, 2018.

Tanney has served as director of athletics since January 2016, after serving as interim director since May 2015. Previously, he was the deputy director of athletics and the associate director of athletics at Western.

"I appreciate President Thomas providing me the opportunity to lead Leatherneck Athletics. Thanks to a cohesive and committed group of coaches, staff, and student-athletes, we have accomplished great things in the classroom and in competition," said Tanney. "I'm proud of the strides we've made in enhancing our student-athletes' overall experience, and I am confident that even more successes lie ahead for this program."

Under Tanney's direction, Western's student-athletes competed in the classroom and on their respective playing fields. Cumulative grade point averages increased every semester, and the department saw several high marks like women's basketball's first tournament championship since 1995 and football's first win over a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent since 2003.

"Matt Tanney has done an outstanding job as the director of athletics at Western Illinois University and was a strong proponent of excellence both in the classroom and in athletic competition," noted President Jack Thomas. "Matt's leadership will be missed, and we wish him well in his future endeavors."

A national search will begin immediately.

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