WHAC Council of Presidents Extends Contract For Commissioner Eric Ward

The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) announced today that its Council of Presidents, composed of the chief executives representing its ten full-member institutions, has formally extended the contract of Commissioner Eric Ward. Ward's extension will see him continuing in his role as Conference Commissioner through the 2028-29 season.

Ward began his tenure as WHAC Commissioner on January 1, 2023.

"On behalf of the WHAC Council of Presidents, I'm pleased to offer my congratulations to Eric on his three-year extension as WHAC Commissioner," said Indiana Tech President and Chair of the WHAC Council of Presidents, Dr. Karl W. Einolf. "Eric has provided steady, thoughtful leadership for the conference, and his continued service will help ensure the WHAC remains focused on supporting our student-athletes, strengthening our member institutions, and advancing the values of NAIA athletics."

Throughout his three and a half seasons as Commissioner, Ward has provided consistent guidance and leadership across the WHAC's 25 varsity sports. His fundraising and revenue-generation efforts have secured a record number of corporate partners and sponsors, significantly growing non-dues revenue. Ward has also led robust member recruitment efforts, including onboarding the conference's newest full member, Defiance College, in 2024. Additionally, conference championships have flourished under his leadership, providing high-quality, memorable postseason experiences and award presentations.

"It is an honor for me to continue to serve the WHAC, and I appreciate the confidence that the Council of Presidents has placed in me as commissioner," said Ward. "The past three and half years have included many successes, as well as a few challenges, and I am excited about the potential for many more successes over the next three years working with our presidents, athletic directors, coaches, staff, and student-athletes. I look forward to our shared efforts to grow the conference, create meaningful experiences for our student-athletes, strengthen our member institutions, and weather the significant challenges facing higher education."

Ward continues to be highly involved at the national level, representing the WHAC as a member of the NAIA National Administrative Council (NAC). Additionally, he serves as the NAC liaison for bowling and men's wrestling, is a member of the NAIA Football Postseason Selection Committee, and serves as chair of the NAIA Conference Commissioners' Association Corporate Partnerships Committee. 

"It is great news for the WHAC and its member institutions that Eric has signed a three-year extension," stated Bryan Earl, Chair of the WHAC Administrative Council and University of Michigan-Dearborn director of athletics. "Since being named WHAC Commissioner, sponsorships and revenue have grown, visibility for the WHAC has increased, and conference tournaments have been well-organized and have provided a great experience for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans. I look forward to continuing to work with Eric and am excited to see what the future holds for the WHAC."

Ward joined the WHAC following 10 years as Commissioner of the Mid-South Conference. Prior to that, he served for 10 years as director of athletics at Georgetown College in Kentucky.