University of Arizona AD Dave Heeke receives 2-year extension
Apr 7, 2022, 7:45 PM
University of Arizona athletics director Dave Heeke talks to the media during half time during a college basketball game between the Washington State Cougars and the Arizona Wildcats on February 09, 2019, at McKale Center in Tucson, AZ. (Photo by Jacob Snow/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jacob Snow/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Arizona Board of Regents approved a two-year contract extension for University of Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke on Thursday.
Heeke is under contract through March 31, 2025, after he took over the role in February 2017. He previously served as the AD of Central Michigan for 11 years.
“I would like to thank President (Robert C.) Robbins and the Arizona Board of Regents for their continued support of the athletics department’s ongoing work of developing academic, athletic and life champions who live the Wildcat Way,” Heeke said in a statement.
“It is a privilege to serve this historic university and the tremendous community in southern Arizona. I am proud of the championship excellence that our student-athletes, coaches and staff have achieved, and I believe we will continue to add new chapters to the storied legacy of Arizona Athletics.”
The past year was fruitful for the Wildcats as the men’s basketball, baseball and men’s golf teams all won Pac-12 titles. The women’s basketball squad under head coach Adia Barnes reached the national championship game in 2021.
The school signed her to a contract extension last year, and it hired Tommy Shephard and Jedd Fisch to lead the men’s basketball and football programs, respectively, ahead of each sport’s most recent season.
Arizona also underwent facility improvements under Heeke, as in 2018 the school made renovations to Arizona Stadium, Hillenbrand Aquatic Center, Hillenbrand Softball Stadium, McKale Center and the construction of the Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center.
“For more than five years, Dave Heeke has been a remarkable leader and ambassador for Arizona Athletics and the University of Arizona as a whole,” Robbins said in a statement. “He has helped build the framework that has led to the unprecedented success of our student-athletes, both on the field and in the classroom. I look forward to collaborating with Dave and his team on the University of Arizona’s efforts to build upon our culture of excellence in athletics.”
