Mike Snyder was named PLU's Director of Athletics and Recreation, following a national search in May 2021.
In his first three years at the helm, Snyder guided a department that won eight Northwest Conference titles across the men's soccer, women's soccer, men's basketball, women's rowing, and volleyball programs. Snyder spearheaded efforts that resulted in men's soccer hosting its first ever NCAA Regional in November of 2021 while producing an innovative partnership with Opendorse— making the Lutes an industry leader at the Division III level in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). In addition to the Opendorse partnership, Snyder was able to secure partnerships with Athlete's Thread for NIL merchandise, Alaska Airlines as a preferred travel partner, and an exclusive charter bus contract.
Snyder has also presided over several facility upgrades during his tenure, which have included constructing a new outfield fence and new turf for the baseball program, relining the track, updated branding at the soccer stadium and a multifaceted softball stadium improvement which includes new bleachers, sound system, and branding. Olson Gymnasium has also seen some branding upgrades which includes a new Athletics Hall of Fame display and installing championship banners for all 18-sport programs inside Olson Gymnasium.
Championing more opportunities for students, Snyder was instrumental in adding women's lacrosse as a varsity sport, becoming the department's first new sport since 1996.
Prior to arriving in Tacoma, Snyder spent the previous seven years as Director of Athletics at fellow Division III institution Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois. While at Illinois College, Snyder oversaw an athletic department with 23 varsity sports and nearly 500 student-athletes.
Snyder's tenure saw IC tally its highest-ever finish in the Midwest Conference All-Sport Standings, as well as an institutional record for All-Conference athletes. A proven leader, Snyder oversaw $4 million worth of capital projects, including renovations to the College's baseball and softball stadiums, the resurfacing of its indoor track, turf replacement at the football/soccer stadium, renovated throws area, a full facility rebrand and a weight room renovation and expansion.
He also spearheaded a proactive Title IX audit that led to a plan for equitable operations, created innovative varsity programs in esports and competitive dance and cheer, and negotiated sponsorship deals with Collegiate Sports Management Group, Gatorade, BSN Sports, and two charter bus companies.
Prior to Illinois College, Snyder was at Division III Oberlin College (Ohio) from 2008 to 2014. Snyder served in a variety of progressive leadership roles, most recently as Associate Director of Athletics for Internal Operations. During his time at Oberlin, Snyder supervised and coordinated capital facility projects, negotiated sponsorships, hired and supervised coaches, and managed a multi-million dollar budget across 22 varsity programs and 10 administrative departments. He previously served as Oberlin's Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations, and Director of Facilities.
Prior to his time at Oberlin, Snyder served as Operations Manager and Events Supervisor for Southeast Missouri State University's Show Me Center.
Snyder is an active member of several professional organizations, including serving on the executive committee for the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), and is currently the President of National Association of DIII Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) for the 2024-2025 academic year. The previous year he served as 1st Vice President for NADIIIAA. Snyder has also served on the Collegiate Event and Facility Management Association (CEFMA) board and as the President in 2016-17. As an active member with the NCAA, Snyder has been a presenter at the NCAA DIII New AD Orientation since 2022 and is currently serving on the Olympic Sport Liaison Committee and the Division III Athletic Trainer Working Group. He has previously served on the Gameday the DIII Way working group and the Division III FAR Advisory Group.
Snyder earned a bachelor's degree in education from Bowling Green State University and a master's degree in public administration from Southeast Missouri State.
