​Northern Kentucky University has named Mike Odom as its new Director of Athletics following a thorough national search. Odom most recently served as the deputy athletic director for external relations at Creighton University and has held several athletic administration roles at North Carolina State University and Wake Forest University. NKU President Cady Short-Thompson commended Odom, noting that he stood out throughout the national search for his strategic leadership, authentic communication, proven revenue-generation ability, and commitment to student-athlete success. She emphasized that college athletics is evolving rapidly and that Odom brings a dynamic mix of insight into both the opportunities and the challenges ahead. Short-Thompson expressed excitement about welcoming Mike and his family to NKU and confidence that he will cultivate strong relationships across campus and within the surrounding community as he leads Norse Athletics forward.
Odom’s expertise spans strategic planning, fundraising, revenue generation, student-athlete support, external relations, and championship achievement. He is set to be introduced at a July 9 press conference and will officially assume the role on August 3. He succeeds Christina Roybal, who had led the department since 2022 before departing in March to become a senior advisor at Motion Sports, a company that provides tools for college athletic departments amid an ever-changing landscape.
“Mike Odom is Northern Kentucky University’s newest athletic director,” he said of his appointment. “I am deeply honored and grateful to President Short-Thompson and the search committee for the opportunity to serve as the next director of athletics at NKU. Throughout this process, I was inspired by the university’s vision, its commitment to building meaningful connections across the region, and its unwavering dedication to delivering an exceptional experience for student-athletes. I am excited to work alongside the talented coaches, dedicated staff, and outstanding student-athletes as we pursue excellence in every facet of the collegiate experience—from competition to the classroom to service in the community. Together, we will strengthen the proud tradition of Norse Athletics while embracing new opportunities to grow and succeed. My family and I are excited to join the NKU community and to call Northern Kentucky home.”
The university’s financial trajectory has also drawn attention. NKU had been operating with a budget deficit as recently as 2024, but it has since approved a 2026-2027 budget of $222 million that anticipates a $2.1 million surplus. Since moving to Division I in 2015, NKU has achieved notable success in both the Atlantic Sun Conference and the Horizon League. The men’s basketball program has captured four Horizon League tournament titles, the softball team earned NCAA Tournament appearances in 2023 and 2026, and the women’s volleyball team has consistently contended for league honors.