By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The University at Buffalo introduced its new athletics director later Friday. UB named Warde Manuel, an associate athletics director at the University of Michigan, to head up its athletics program. In his role at Michigan, Manuel oversaw the university's football and men's basketball programs.
In a written statement, UB President John Simpson says the university has selected someone who is "thoroughly steeped in the world of intercollegiate sports at the highest level." Simpson said Manuel is committed to balancing athletics and academic excellence.
Manuel says he looks forward to making UB competitive in the Mid-American Conference and nationally. He succeeds Bob Akeilpane, who resigned in 2003. Manuel will assume his new duties on August 29th.
His appointment comes just eight weeks after a consultant's report that assessed the strengths and weaknesses of UB's athletics department.