ROCHESTER, Mich. – Oakland University Athletics has announced the hiring of Jen Tymkew as the new associate athletic director for academics and sports performance.

"I am very pleased to welcome Jen to the Golden Grizzlies athletics family. With significant Division I athletics administration experience and recent experience within the Horizon League, I look forward to her joining the athletics senior leadership team and making OU Athletics even better," said Oakland Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield. "Having worked with and served student-athletes and coaches in different capacities, Jen's leadership and experiences will make a positive difference in the academics and sports performance areas she will oversee and the experiences Golden Grizzlies student-athletes have during their time at OU."

Tymkew remains in the Horizon League after working in the Youngstown State athletics department from 2021 to 2025. She began her tenure with the Penguins as associate athletics director and director of athletic training services and was elevated to senior associate athletics director for integrated health care and performance in 2023.

During her time at YSU, she oversaw the sports medicine, performance nutrition, strength and conditioning, and sports science units, while also playing a key role in cross-campus initiatives involving student-athlete mental health and wellness. In collaboration with the dean of students and campus counseling services, Tymkew helped elevate YSU's holistic care model for student-athletes.

Her leadership extended beyond health care, as she served as sport supervisor for the volleyball and lacrosse programs. In November 2023, Tymkew was promoted to senior associate AD, reflecting her wide-ranging impact across the department.

"I'm honored and thrilled to join the staff at Oakland University. Steve and the leadership team have assembled an exceptional staff within the athletics department, and I'm humbled to be part of the team," Tymkew said. "I'm thankful for their trust and support throughout this process. I look forward to enhancing the experience of our student-athletes, contributing to the continued success of our programs and joining the Golden Grizzly family."

Before her time at YSU, Tymkew spent 12 years with the Northwestern University sports medicine department, where she managed health care for the men's basketball team and played a key role in staff development and implementation of the Smartabase medical documentation system. She also facilitated research efforts and innovative approaches in sports medicine.

Prior to Northwestern, she began her career at Eastern Illinois University, where she worked with the football, women's basketball, softball and volleyball programs.
Tymkew earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Michigan State University in 2002 and a master's degree while serving as a graduate assistant athletic trainer with the University of Kentucky softball program.

Her addition strengthens the academic support and performance infrastructure at Oakland and reflects a continued investment in the holistic development of Golden Grizzlies student-athletes and their pursuit of excellence on and off the field.