July 7, 2008 - After 12 distinguished years of service to Hillsdale College, Dr. Mike Kovalchik retired from his position as Athletic Director this summer. He also filled the role of Chair of the Department of Physical Education during his time at Hillsdale.

Dr. Kovalchik demonstrated principled leadership and unsurpassed dedication to the college since he joined Hillsdale in April of 1996, succeeding Jack McAvoy. As the Director of the Department of Athletics, he oversaw 13 varsity sports for men and women, and mentored more than 1,000 student-athletes. Dr. Kovalchik was keenly conscious of Hillsdale’s rich athletic tradition, its 115 year history of varsity athletics, and its commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

Dr. Kovalchik earned a bachelor of science degree. at Eastern Illinois University, where he played both football and baseball. He acquired two masters’ degrees as well, one from Eastern Illinois University and the other from State University of New York at Cortland, before completing his Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Dr. Kovalchik has held administrative positions at Ohio Northern University, Jamestown College of North Dakota, Coe College of Iowa, and Hanover College of Indiana, and was the Director of Athletics at Grand Valley State University for seven years prior to taking the reins at Hillsdale.

While Director of Athletics at Hillsdale, he served on numerous committees for the NCAA, including the Division II Championships Committee, the Division II Project Team to Review Issues Related to Diversity, the Division II Management Council, the Division II Legislation Committee and Chair of the Interpretations Subcommittee, and the Baseball Rules Committee. In 2006, Dr. Kovalchik received the NCAA Division II Central Region Athletic Director of the Year Award from the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

An enthusiastic and inspiring mentor and teacher, he chaired the college’s Physical Education Department, and taught courses in personal safety and methods of teaching.
Dr. Kovalchik is a U.S. Marine officer, a former U.S. Air Force officer, and a veteran of the Vietnam War. He is married to Sheila Kovalchik.

Hillsdale College is grateful to Dr. Kovalchik for his many years of leadership and dedication to the college’s mission and its athletic tradition. The administration, faculty and staff wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Effective Tuesday, July 1, 2008, Associate Director of Athletics Claudette Charney will serve as interim athletic director.