John Hitchings serves as the Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations at Oakland University, a role he assumed in January 2025. In this capacity, Hitchings oversees the department’s internal functions including business operations, facility and equipment management, marketing and promotions, ticket sales and operations that support the daily operations of Golden Grizzlies Athletics.
Hitchings originally joined Oakland University in October 2021 as the Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations. During that time, he was instrumental in enhancing financial planning, budget oversight, and resource allocation across all 18 varsity sports and administrative units. His leadership helped streamline internal processes and elevate operational efficiency across the department.
Before arriving at Oakland, Hitchings spent over eight years at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he held multiple leadership roles including Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Administration. He played a key role in budget management, ticket operations, and financial reporting for Titans Athletics.Â
A native of Macomb, Michigan, Hitchings earned his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Michigan State University in 2009 and his master’s degree in sports administration from Central Michigan University in 2013. He resides in Shelby Township with his wife and two children.
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