NMU hires Karr as new athletic director

Northern Michigan University president David Haynes has announced the hiring of Forrest Karr as the school’s new athletic director. Karr will oversee athletics, recreational sports and the U.S. Olympic Education Center, and will officially start his position June 11.

He replaces former athletic director Ken Godfrey, who stepped down after a semester of medical leave for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.

Karr has most recently been the director of athletics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a sometime rival for NMU hockey, and was one of three finalists for the NMU position. He had been at UAF since 2005, with accomplishments like NCAA titles, attendance records, championship appearances and the addition of new programs and facilities renovations during that time.

“While Alaska is a remarkable place, and it’s difficult to leave people I love working with, moving on to a new position and another great community closer to family is very exciting. I am fully committed to ensuring a quality experience in every way for Northern Michigan University students. And, I look forward to working with the department’s dedicated and talented staff to make this happen,” said Karr.

Karr’s background also includes NCAA administrative service, chairing the state board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, being a member of the National Ski Patrol and United Way. In his college days at the University of Notre Dame, Karr played division 1 hockey and was listed as an Academic All-American, and the team’s MVP as a senior. Karr has a degree in business administration from UND, a law degree from the University of Wisconsin, and an executive certificate from the Sports Management Institute.

Writer: Kim Eggleston
Source: Forrest Karr, Northern Michigan University