(Story courtesy of Johnson & Wales University Denver Athletics Website)
DENVER, Colo. – Michael Smoose, Associate Athletics Director for the Johnson & Wales University Providence campus, will serve as the Interim Director of Athletics for the JWU Denver campus, Dean of Students Dr. Scott Lyons announced Tuesday.
Smoose has more than two decades of experience in collegiate athletics administration, including the past four years as Associate Director of Athletics and Sports Information Director at JWU Providence.
Smoose will serve as the interim AD in Denver while the university completes the search for a full-time athletic director this fall. He will begin his new role immediately, assisting Dr. Lyons in creating a long-team growth plan for the department as the Wildcats continue their NCAA Division III provisional membership process.
In his role in Providence, Smoose oversees athletics communications, game operations, facilities, club sports, campus recreation and intramurals as well as sport oversight. The Brookville, Pa., native also oversaw the redesign of the athletic department's website while also revamping the Wildcats' social media platforms. Smoose has helped Johnson & Wales athletics receive increased local, regional and national coverage, including two spots on ESPN's Top 10 plays. In 2018, JWU won the NACMA "Best of" Award in the Fan Engagement category.
Prior to joining Johnson & Wales, Smoose served as Assistant Director of External Relations at Armstrong State University in Savannah, Ga. He oversaw the department's marketing and promotions plan as well as corporate sponsorship and the Pirate Athletic Association. Under his direction, corporate sponsorship revenue doubled and PAA membership rose by 75 percent.
Smoose spent 11 years in sports information with stints at Ohio University, Fresno State University, Northern Illinois University and Florida State University. While at Florida State he publicized the Seminoles' nationally ranked women's basketball and track and field teams while serving as a secondary contact for football and men's basketball.
Smoose earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sports industry from Ohio University. He received his Master of Business Administration degree at Florida State. He is married to Melissa Batie-Smoose, the associate head volleyball coach at Fairfield University. The couple has one daughter, Madison.