UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – Saginaw Valley State University selected John Lewandowski to serve as the new Director of Athletics. Lewandowski brings four decades of experience in major college athletics with him to SVSU along with an impressive amount of support from former student-athletes and coaches.
"' Lewie', as we called him, was an integral part in our football program's success, our athletic program's success, and our university's reputation as a whole," stated former Michigan State quarterback and current member of the National Football League's Minnesota Vikings Kirk Cousins.
Cousins worked with Lewandowski for five years while he was a student-athlete with MSU. Lewandowski was an Athletic Communications professional with the Spartans for over 20 years.
"While at MSU, I watched John work hard to build a personal connection with every student-athlete on the football team, from the starting quarterback to the last walk-on on the roster. He even worked to establish a relationship with players' families," said Cousins.
Another well-known Spartan spoke on Lewandowski's ability to cultivate relationships with a campus community.
"In a profession where relationships are key to success, John has a proven track record of developing connections with student-athletes, coaches, and donors," lauded MSU Head Men's Basketball Coach Tom Izzo.
Lewandowski helped build the Spartan brand during his tenure at Michigan State and shared in its success alongside coach Izzo.
"I worked closely with John as he oversaw all communication efforts for Michigan State athletics, helping to build the Spartan brand during some of the highest peaks in department history, including a Rose Bowl Championship and College Football Playoff appearance in football and a national championship and multiple Final Fours for men's basketball," said Izzo.
That relationship-building and experience carried into his current stop at the University of Louisiana Monroe where Lewandowski has been the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Communications and Marketing since 2017.
"John is one of the best in the business. Not only does he bring a wealth of experience, he brings a passion and excitement around the student-athlete experience," said ULM women's golf coach Rachel Pollock. "The way that he has gone above and beyond to showcase our program, players, and championship run was unbelievable. Although ULM women's golf is sad to see him go, we are excited to support John on this new journey!"
Lewandowski will begin his duties at Saginaw Valley State on Monday, October 9.