ROCHESTER, Mich. - Padraic McMeel has been named Oakland University Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs, announced Jeff Konya on Thursday. McMeel, a native of Mount Pleasant, Mich., is a proven senior administrator and sought after fundraiser. He will begin his post for the Golden Grizzlies on Dec. 1.

"We are thrilled to add a senior administrator to our department with the pedigree and experience of Padraic," said Konya. "I look forward to working with Padraic to maximize revenue opportunities and accelerate the growth curve with our external operations. His track record speaks for itself, and we welcome him and his family back to Michigan to join our family here with the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.

"I would like to acknowledge the great job that Robby Stewart and the search committee did in vetting our candidates."

McMeel has spent the last three-plus years at Kennesaw State as the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations. At KSU, he was responsible for overseeing all external relations, including oversight of development, athletic communications, marketing and promotions, corporate sales, ticket sales and operations, creative services and video operations. Since McMeel joined the Owls in 2011, KSU's external relations unit has experienced significant growth in the areas of staffing and revenue income.

"I would first like to thank Jeff Konya for this incredible opportunity to join the team and serve the student-athletes, coaches and staff at Oakland University," said McMeel. "I am so honored to be able to work side-by-side with the team and continue to build the rich traditions already established here at Oakland. I look forward to meeting with the donors and supporters as well as the various constituents across the campus and Oakland County community."

Over the last year McMeel led a comprehensive capital campaign, which included the start of a new FCS football program and facilities master plan. The campaign raised close to $10 million, including leadership gifts of $5 million by Fifth Third Bank, various naming rights donations of $2.75 and $1.5 million, as well as $525,000 for a leadership gift for OWLS Champions Initiative. Since his arrival in Kennesaw, Ga., the Owls have raised close to $20 million.

Prior to working at KSU, McMeel spent three-plus seasons as the Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs at Missouri State. As a member of the senior administrative leadership team, McMeel once again set records by elevating annual giving to the Bears Fund from $1.6 million in 2008 to $2.7 million in 2009. The Bears Fund experienced record donations during his three years, totaling close to $8 million.

McMeel has also worked as the Associate/Assistant Director of Athletic Development at UCF (2005-08), Development Director for Special Olympics Michigan (2004-05), and was the Director of Athletic Development/Executive Director of the Redbird Club at Illinois State (2000-03). He attended Central Michigan and earned bachelor's degree in sport administration in 1994. McMeel returned to CMU and received a master's degree in athletic administration in 2005.

"I would also be remised if I did not thank Vaughn Williams, Director of Athletics, and my entire staff at Kennesaw State for their loyalty and support. Without their efforts, we would not have been so successful and I would not have been in position to join the Oakland family. Thank you gang!"

McMeel is married to Ashley, and the couple has two children - daughter Logan and son Casen.

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