Wayne State University Athletics

During his tenure at Wayne State University President (1997-2008), Dr. Irvin D. Reid was instrumental in the revitalization of WSU Athletics.  Wayne State had its seven best institutional national finishes (up to that time) during his Presidency. 

WSU won 24 conference titles and had 150 All-Americans, including 10 individual national champions.  In addition, he led the largest facility renovation program expansion since the Matthaei was built. Some of the more significant improvements included: football stadium/field turf, softball and baseball fields, the swimming pool, and basketball gymnasium. 

WSU became a national leader in minority coaching hiring, elevated six coaching positions to full-time status and was also able to incorporate a strength and conditioning program.  During his presidency, the ten-year funding increase was the largest of any period.

Athletics reached and expanded its audience during his tenure with a radio broadcast agreement, television contract and webpage, heretofore non-existent.  An Academic Resource unit with staffing for student-athletes was initiated that resulted in significant national achievement in student-athletes grade point average and graduation rates.