Statements From President Schapiro & Mike Polisky
5/12/2021 5:25:00 PM | General
EVANSTON, IL -- Northwestern University President Morty Schapiro, and Mike Polisky, released the following statements on Wednesday, May 12, 2021.
************
Statement from Mike Polisky:
Today, I informed President Schapiro of my decision to step down as Northwestern's Director of Athletics and leave Northwestern University. Over the last 10 days, it has become clear to me that the current challenges will not allow me to effectively lead our department, especially during these unsettling times in college athletics. My love and respect for Northwestern and for our student-athletes, coaches and staff, is greater than my own desire to lead the department. I do not want to be a distraction to our incredible men and women as they pursue a collective goal – to help our student-athletes become the best they can be. While my family and I are disappointed, I move forward knowing this is the right decision.
I am grateful to President Schapiro for the opportunity to serve and I wish Northwestern the very best in the future. I will always cheer on the Wildcats!
Sincerely,
Mike Polisky
Statement from President Schapiro:
Last week, when I announced Mike Polisky as the next Vice President for Athletics & Recreation at Northwestern, I acknowledged his important role in helping transform the department into a model for excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom.
Today, Mike told me he is stepping down from his new role and leaving Northwestern. I understand and respect his decision. I truly appreciate all Mike has done for the University.
I have selected someone outside of the Department of Athletics & Recreation to lead it on an interim basis. Professor Robert Gundlach has agreed to do so, just as he did in 2008 during another time of transition in the department. In addition to being a professor of linguistics, Bob is Northwestern's faculty athletics representative to the NCAA and the Big Ten Conference. He has served on numerous NCAA committees and working groups and is deeply knowledgeable about the challenges facing intercollegiate athletics today.
In the coming months, I will share information on the process for selecting our next athletic director.
I thank the coaches, staff and student-athletes for their patience and commitment to the University. I believe in you and support you, and I'm so proud to be at a University that is a leader in academics and athletics.
Sincerely,
Morton Schapiro
Professor and President
************
Statement from Mike Polisky:
Today, I informed President Schapiro of my decision to step down as Northwestern's Director of Athletics and leave Northwestern University. Over the last 10 days, it has become clear to me that the current challenges will not allow me to effectively lead our department, especially during these unsettling times in college athletics. My love and respect for Northwestern and for our student-athletes, coaches and staff, is greater than my own desire to lead the department. I do not want to be a distraction to our incredible men and women as they pursue a collective goal – to help our student-athletes become the best they can be. While my family and I are disappointed, I move forward knowing this is the right decision.
I am grateful to President Schapiro for the opportunity to serve and I wish Northwestern the very best in the future. I will always cheer on the Wildcats!
Sincerely,
Mike Polisky
Statement from President Schapiro:
Last week, when I announced Mike Polisky as the next Vice President for Athletics & Recreation at Northwestern, I acknowledged his important role in helping transform the department into a model for excellence both on the playing field and in the classroom.
Today, Mike told me he is stepping down from his new role and leaving Northwestern. I understand and respect his decision. I truly appreciate all Mike has done for the University.
I have selected someone outside of the Department of Athletics & Recreation to lead it on an interim basis. Professor Robert Gundlach has agreed to do so, just as he did in 2008 during another time of transition in the department. In addition to being a professor of linguistics, Bob is Northwestern's faculty athletics representative to the NCAA and the Big Ten Conference. He has served on numerous NCAA committees and working groups and is deeply knowledgeable about the challenges facing intercollegiate athletics today.
In the coming months, I will share information on the process for selecting our next athletic director.
I thank the coaches, staff and student-athletes for their patience and commitment to the University. I believe in you and support you, and I'm so proud to be at a University that is a leader in academics and athletics.
Sincerely,
Morton Schapiro
Professor and President
Field Hockey - ‘Cats Take Clutch 2-1 Overtime Win at Louisville (9/12/25)
Sunday, September 14
Volleyball - 'Cats Defeat Valparaiso in Home Opener Reverse Sweep (9/9/2025)
Wednesday, September 10
Football - Western Illinois Cinematic Recap (9/5/25)
Monday, September 08
Football - Week 3 Monday Press Conference (9/8/25)
Monday, September 08
