Olivet College director of athletics accepts new position

Heather Bateman, who served as Olivet College’s director of athletics for four years, has accepted the position of assistant dean of student life and athletics at Jackson Community College. She will begin her new responsibilities in June.

“I am so thankful to Olivet College and everyone I have come to know over the years for the support, and I appreciate the work we’ve done together,” she said. “I am a Comet fan for life, and wish my colleagues and Olivet’s amazing student-athletes nothing but the best.”

The college plans to initiate an immediate search for Bateman’s successor, according to a statement from President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D. “I’ve asked members of our senior leadership team to initiate a search immediately for the college’s next director of athletics, and to coordinate a smooth transition for our student-athletes and coaches,” Corey said. “I wish Heather good luck as she transitions into her new position, and look forward to supporting a new director of athletics in driving a strong, competitive program that benefits not only our student-athletes but the entire college community.”

Bateman has served as athletic director since 2009. Prior to her appointment, she served as associate athletic director for eight years and head women’s basketball coach for three years.

During her tenure, Bateman served as chief administrator of Olivet’s men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic programs. Her responsibilities included program planning; fiscal and human resource management; compliance enforcement; and maintaining effective relationships with student-athletes, faculty, staff, alumni and the community.

Bateman earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources development from Oakland University and a master’s degree in sports administration from Wayne State University. She served as assistant women’s basketball coach for six years at Olivet before taking the reins as head coach in 2007. Bateman also has coaching experience at Northwood University, University of Detroit-Mercy and Wayne State University.

Olivet College currently competes in 22 intercollegiate sports. The Comets are an NCAA Division III institution in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association. For more information, visit Olivet College athletics at www.olivetcomets.com.