Michelle Almazan Named interim Athletics Director at UC Riverside
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Riverside, CA - In a strategic leadership transition, UC Riverside Chancellor S. Jack Hu announced the appointment of Michelle Almazan as interim director of intercollegiate athletics, effective August 22, 2025. This pivotal change follows the departure of wes Mallette, who is moving to the University of South Carolina.
A Proven Leader
Almazan currently serves as senior associate athletics director for student-athlete affairs and academic services,also holding the role of the department’s senior woman administrator. She joined UC Riverside in 2015 as the director of student-athlete academic services, steadily ascending through progressively responsible positions, including assistant athletics director since 2018.
Under Almazan’s guidance, UCR Athletics has demonstrably improved academic performance. All seventeen Highlander teams have consistently maintained cumulative grade point averages around 3.20.
Did You No?
A GPA of 3.20 or higher is often considered a benchmark for academic excellence in collegiate athletics, indicating a strong commitment to both athletic and academic success.
Focus on Student-Athlete Success
Almazan has spearheaded initiatives to bolster student-athlete development, expand life skills programming, and implement effective cost-containment measures in response to budgetary constraints. Her influence extends beyond the campus, representing UCR before the UC Regents and actively participating in national discussions surrounding the evolving landscape of NCAA division I athletics.
Her contributions have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the NCAA Transformation Committee, fostering conference engagement, and establishing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships. These efforts ensure that UCR’s intercollegiate athletics program remains aligned with the university’s core mission, prioritizing student well-being and integrating seamlessly with broader academic objectives.
Background and Experience
Prior to her tenure at UC Riverside,Almazan dedicated nearly a decade to California State University,Northridge,serving as an academic advisor for multiple sports. A former Division I track and field and cross-country athlete herself, she holds a bachelor of Arts degree in sport psychology and a Master of Science degree in marriage and family therapy from CSUN.
“Michelle’s deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing student-athletes, combined with her proven leadership skills, make her the ideal candidate to guide UCR Athletics during this transition,” stated Chancellor Hu.
Key Leadership Timeline
| Year | Position | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services | UC Riverside |
| 2018 | Assistant athletics Director | UC Riverside |
| Present | Senior Associate Athletics Director / Senior Woman Administrator | UC Riverside |
| 2025 | Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics | UC Riverside |
Mallette’s departure marks the end of his leadership at UCR, and the university expressed gratitude for his service.
Pro Tip:
Effective leadership transitions require clear interaction and a focus on continuity to minimize disruption and maintain momentum.
As UCR Athletics embarks on this new chapter, the university community is encouraged to extend its full support to Almazan as she assumes her interim role. What impact do you foresee Almazan’s leadership having on UCR’s athletic programs? How will the evolving NIL landscape shape the future of college athletics at UCR?
The Evolving Landscape of college Athletics
The appointment of an interim athletics director at UC Riverside reflects broader trends in collegiate sports. The NCAA is undergoing significant transformation, grappling with issues such as student-athlete compensation (NIL), transfer portal regulations, and conference realignment. These changes necessitate adaptable and strategic leadership to navigate the complexities and ensure the long-term sustainability of athletic programs. The emphasis on academic performance, as demonstrated by UCR’s consistent GPA achievements, aligns with the NCAA’s commitment to student-athlete well-being and academic integrity [[1]].
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Michelle Almazan? Michelle Almazan is the newly appointed interim director of intercollegiate athletics at UC Riverside.
- What is michelle Almazan’s experience? She has held various leadership roles at UCR as 2015, focusing on student-athlete affairs and academic services.
- Why is Wes Mallette leaving UCR? Wes Mallette is departing to take a position as athletics director at the University of South Carolina.
- What is the meaning of UCR Athletics’ GPA? The consistent 3.20 GPA across all teams demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence among student-athletes.
- What are NIL partnerships? Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships allow student-athletes to earn compensation for the use of their personal brand.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this exciting development in UCR Athletics! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and insightful analysis.
