ROCHESTER, Mich. – Oakland University Athletics is proud to announce the hiring of Dr. Ronald D. Reeves as the new Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Leadership and Engagement. A Detroit native with deep roots in Michigan and extensive experience in athletic administration, Dr. Reeves brings a powerful blend of leadership, innovation, and student-centered vision to the Golden Grizzlies.

"I am very happy that Ron is joining the athletics department senior leadership team and OU Athletics! Ron possesses a breadth and depth of professional and leadership experiences that will elevate not only the areas he will oversee but all of OU Athletics," said Oakland Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield. "He combines these experiences with a student-athlete-focused approach that will benefit current and future Golden Grizzlies student-athletes. A former Horizon League student-athlete himself, it is a privilege to welcome him back to the Horizon League and to the Golden Grizzlies athletics family."

Dr. Reeves most recently served for one year as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Aquinas College. Under his leadership, Aquinas teams made significant postseason runs, including appearances in women's and men's cross country, women's soccer, and women's volleyball.

Prior to his time at Aquinas, Dr. Reeves held athletic leadership roles at several prominent institutions, including the University of Colorado, Florida A&M University, Southern Illinois University (SIU), the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the University of North Carolina, and Alabama A&M University. His wide-ranging experience spans strategic planning, operations, budget management, fundraising, and project leadership.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to return home to Oakland University, a place that has always felt like family to me," said Dr. Reeves. "Oakland holds a special place in my life, as it's not only where my mother and other family members attended, but also where my cousin, Cordella Donner, competed as a student-athlete on the women's basketball team from 1979 to 1982. I want to thank everyone in Oakland Athletics who was involved throughout this process. Their support and belief in me meant a great deal. I'm grateful for the opportunity and excited to get started!"

Dr. Reeves is no stranger to the Horizon League, as he graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy, where he competed in track and field and earned his degree in communications-journalism. He also holds a master's degree in sport management from Ithaca College, where he served as a graduate assistant in track and field, and a doctorate in higher education administration from SIU.

In addition to his career in higher education, Dr. Reeves has worked for the Internal Revenue Service, the Pentagon, the United States Air Force, and the City of Denver.

Oakland University is thrilled to welcome Dr. Reeves and looks forward to the profound impact he will have on student-athlete success, culture, and leadership.