Matt Tanney Named WIU Interim Athletic Director

Tanney replaces Tommy Bell, who resigned after nearly two years

MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois University Vice President for Student Services Dr. Gary Biller announced on Friday (May 1) that Deputy Director of Athletics Matt Tanney will take over as Interim Athletic Director. Tanney replaces Tommy Bell, who resigned for the same position at Southern Illinois University.

Tanney begins his duties this month. He was promoted to Deputy Athletic Director last summer after serving as Associate Athletic Director during his first two years at Western.

"I'd like to thank (President) Dr. Jack Thomas and (Vice President for Student Services) Dr. Gary Biller for the opportunity to lead the department. Along with an exceptional group of coaches and staff, we'll continue to move forward on multiple initiatives, with the best interests of the student-athletes at the forefront of our decision-making," said Tanney. "I hope our loyal alumni and supporters share my enthusiasm for the future of Leatherneck Athletics."

Tanney oversees the department's budget operations, along with support services in academics, athletic training, business services, compliance, equipment, financial aid, and strength and conditioning. He's also directed several major facility projects, including: the installation of the hardwood court (LeRoy A. Ufkes court) inside Western Hall, new tennis courts, and the video boards at Hanson Field and Western Hall.

He serves as sport administrator for the baseball, women's basketball, men's soccer, men's and women's cross country, and men's and women's track & field programs. Tanney previously supervised Summit League Championship events held at WIU.

In May 2014, Tanney was named the University's Division of Student Services 'Administrative Employee of the Year'. He has presented nationally at the NCAA Regional Rules conference, in addition to teaching undergraduate courses at Western and serving as a guest lecturer at several colleges.

The central Illinois native joined Western after working in the compliance office at the University of Oklahoma. Prior to Oklahoma, Tanney worked at the University of Dayton in a similar capacity. At Dayton, he managed the daily operations of the 17-sport Football Championship Subdivision compliance department. Tanney was hired at Dayton following a one-year appointment at The Ohio State University where he served as a compliance coordinator.

Tanney is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wabash College with a bachelor's degree in English. He earned his law degree from Indiana University's Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Tanney and his wife Julia have two daughters: Katelyn and Lillian.

"The University is looking forward to working with Matt Tanney as Interim Athletic Director. He has demonstrated the skill set and knowledge to serve in this capacity," said Biller, who noted a search process would begin soon. "We wish Tommy Bell well in his new position at Southern Illinois. We really appreciate his time here, Tommy helped move our program forward."

For Bell, it's an opportunity to return to Carbondale, a place he spent six years as the Constituent Development Officer. Bell's wife Laurie currently serves as an Interim Dean at the University and both of their children are graduates of SIU.

"I'm thankful for the opportunity to work at Western Illinois University and creating the friendships and relationships while here. I really enjoyed my time on campus and in the Macomb community. This, however, is a great opportunity for my family," said Bell. "Western Illinois is a special place. It's people-rich with great coaches, good student-athletes and hard working staff and faculty. We accomplished some operational and administrative structural improvements that will allow for long-term success engaging alumni, supports, friends and fans."

Bell was hired to take charge of Leatherneck Athletics in July 2013. He saw an increase in the Leatherneck Club membership and dollars donated in year one reaching a 13-year high. Last spring, Bell brought back Billy Wright to the men's basketball program, this time as head coach. He also hired head volleyball coach Kelly Richardson in January.

Bell saw five new endowed scholarships created in his first year alone. The basketball playing court inside Western Hall was redone in summer 2014, and named after a deceased Athletic Department Hall of Fame member – the LeRoy A. Ufkes Court. The start of the 2014-15 academic year also marked the inaugural year for the ELITE Corporate sponsorship program that Bell implemented.

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