University of Connecticut Athletics
Michael Oblinger Named Director of Athletics at UNCW
2/20/2023 10:50:00 AM | General
Michael Oblinger, who has been with UConn athletics since 2017 and recently serving in the role of Deputy Director of Athletics/External Relations, has been named Director of Athletics at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The news was announced at a press conference in Wilmington, NC on Monday afternoon.
Oblinger will become the university's seventh full-time athletics director, as he takes over the helm of UNCW Athletics from Jimmy Bass, who is retiring April 1 after nearly 13 years in the role.
"UNCW is getting an experienced, well-traveled leader in Mike Oblinger," commented UConn Director of Athletics David Benedict. "Mike played an integral role in driving unprecedented fundraising numbers during his tenure and played a key role in my executive team. Mike will be sorely missed, but we couldn't be happier for him and his family. I commend UNCW Chancellor Aswani K. Volety and the search committee for providing him the opportunity to lead their athletic department."
He began his career in Storrs as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Development in 2017 and has served as a member of David Benedict's Athletics Executive Team, supervising revenue generating areas while serving as Chief Revenue and Development Officer for the Department of Athletics. In addition to his strategic leadership responsibilities, Oblinger served as the sport administrator for the men's basketball and baseball programs.
Working in concert with the University of Connecticut Foundation, Oblinger was also a member of the UConn Foundation Senior Advancement Team. He implemented new philanthropic leadership and planned giving (1891 Society) programs and priorities and has restructured the sport specific giving program, event, stewardship, donor relations, and prospect research functions. Most recently, he secured record breaking gifts including the largest gift in Athletics history for the Bailey Student-Athlete Success Center and the Toscano Family Ice Forum. Under his supervision, Athletics has raised the highest three-year fundraising total in history from FY20, FY21, and FY22 totaling $71.4M and has increased the athletics three-year giving average to $23.8M, up from $12.4M the three previous years.Â
The UConn athletic department, and the entire University community, wish Michael all the best in his new and exciting endeavor.
