Story provided by OSU News

Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis will present a leadership transition in the OSU athletic department at the OSU/A&M Board of Regents’ meeting Friday. He will also recommend Mike Holder’s appointment as athletic director emeritus to recognize his leadership and achievements over the past 16 years and the selection of Chad Weiberg as athletic director, both effective July 1.

Hargis will note that a vital part of the transition is the continued involvement of Holder in the athletic department as a special advisor.

“We are in awe of the massive upgrade in athletic facilities under Mike’s leadership. I am personally appreciative of his adherence to honest principles in the performance of his duties leading our athletic department,” said President Hargis. “Serving with Mike to elevate and advance our alma mater has been a great privilege for me. Mike loves OSU. He has dedicated his career to building a championship golf program and athletic department centered around helping athletes succeed in their sports, in the classroom and, most importantly, in life. As a result, I will recommend his appointment as athletic director emeritus.”

“It is hard to describe the magnitude of the impact Mike Holder has had on Oklahoma State Athletics during his 16-year tenure,” said Rick Davis, Chair of the OSU/A&M Regents. “He has elevated our athletic program to a level once unimaginable in national prominence and prestige by developing and building athletic facilities on par with any in the nation. The athletic village envisioned by Mike and his dear friend and our beloved alum, Boone Pickens, faced a lot of doubters in the beginning who questioned if it was even possible or practical. The inauguration of the $70 million O’Brate collegiate baseball stadium this past week marks another capstone achievement under the leadership of Mike Holder. We are grateful to Mike for his historic facility development, fundraising achievements and leadership in guiding the department which includes several conference and national championships.”

Holder will continue to support the athletic department as a special advisor, continue to raise funds and work on facility development.

“Today is about the future of Oklahoma State University athletics. Chad Weiberg is the new sheriff in town and he needs all of us to saddle up and ride for the brand. Get ready Cowboys and Cowgirls. If you do your part, then the best is yet to come,” said Mike Holder, OSU athletic director.

Hired in May 2017, Chad Weiberg returned to Oklahoma State University as the department’s deputy director, where he has served as the chief operating officer. Weiberg’s degrees from Oklahoma State University include a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration.

“We are pleased to announce Chad Weiberg will serve as the next leader of our athletic department at Oklahoma State University, effective July 1,” Davis said. “Like Mike, Chad is an alumnus, and he is also loyal to OSU. Chad’s appointment ensures our athletic department maintains its momentum and retains management continuity essential for long-term success. In the past years, Chad has demonstrated that he is ready to take the leadership reins. He is a principled leader with a conviction to values and a commitment to developing young men and women academically and athletically.”

“I am humbled by this opportunity. I want to thank the Regents, President Burns Hargis, and Mike Holder, and I am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of building on their successes. I have loved Oklahoma State since my dad, Mick, coached on Paul Hansen’s basketball staff in the 1980s. It is a special place with special people and a storied athletic tradition. We have exceptional coaches, remarkable student-athletes and an incredible staff. Coach Holder has done more at OSU than anyone imagined possible since he became athletic director. He put us in position to be competitive on a national level, transformed our facilities and helped us raise the expectations we have of ourselves. I hope to honor his accomplishments by building on them,” said Weiberg.

Weiberg is signing a four-year contract at $750,000 annually.

“I am confident Chad will build on the excellence our athletic programs have enjoyed under Mike Holder. The future is bright for Oklahoma State’s athletics, and I am excited and look forward to cheering our men and women’s teams in the coming years,” Hargis said.