OMAHA, Neb. – University of Nebraska Omaha Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA announced that
Mike Kemp has been named Omaha's interim Athletic Director. Kemp will assume the role on Monday, July 19.
"This is a bittersweet time for me," said Kemp. "
Trev Alberts has been a trusted friend and a great colleague for over twelve years. Together, we have gone through many challenging and thrilling experiences. He has left an indelible mark on Omaha Athletics that will ink his legacy in our athletic lore."
Kemp has been with Omaha Athletics since 1996 when he became the program's first head hockey coach. He later rose to the Associate Athletic Director position in 2009 which he held until 2019 when he was elevated to Senior Associate Athletic Director for Events & Facilities, overseeing the hockey program and serving as the general manager of Baxter Arena.
For his service to the conference and NCAA men's hockey during a difficult 2020-21 season, Kemp was honored in April with the 2021 NCHC Commissioner's Award. He is the first person to receive the NCHC Commissioner's Award, which is presented to an individual who, through dedicated effort and service, has achieved a singularly distinguished accomplishment that has significantly enhanced the NCHC or a member institution during the current academic year.
"It is a great honor for me to be entrusted with the responsibility to lead this department," added Kemp. "I want to thank President Carter, Chancellor Li and the Nebraska Board of Regents for this tremendous opportunity. I have spent my career here at UNO dedicated to creating opportunities for student-athletes, first as a coach, then as a sport administrator, and I feel blessed that my journey has led me here. In this new position, student-athletes will be the center of my efforts. With the help of the campus community, and the continued support of Omaha at large, we will be able to continue the tremendous growth that Omaha Athletics has experienced over the past 12 years. I look forward to the challenge."
During Kemp's tenure at the helm of the Maverick hockey program, the team became a national leader in college hockey attendance, a tradition that continues today. Kemp coached five All-Americans while at Omaha and had a total of twelve all-CCHA players in the 10 years he coached in the league. Also during his coaching career, he served on the board of governors of the American Hockey Coaches Association, serving as a second vice-president from 2000 to 2003. He was a member of the board of directors of the Special Olympics of Nebraska from 2002 to 2014 and was a board member of the Nebraska Sports Council from 2015 to 2018.
Kemp is currently a board member of the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame and serves as the chair of the six-member NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Committee.
In 2009, Kemp was inducted into the Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
What Others Are Saying:
University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter:
"
Mike Kemp is a seasoned coach and administrator who has dedicated the past 25 years of his life to UNO and out student-athletes. I know Mike will lead Omaha Athletics with integrity and resolve during this time of transition."
UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA:
"I am thankful that
Mike Kemp has graciously agreed to serve as interim Athletic Director. I have the utmost confidence in his abilities, experience, knowledge and character to effectively lead this department."
NCHC Commissioner Josh Fenton:
"
Mike Kemp has been an integral part of the NCHC since its formation. He has made significant contributions toward our success over 10 years. We are fortunate to have someone in Mike who can step right into the interim AD role at Omaha and continue supporting the conference at a high level."
Omaha Head Hockey Coach Mike Gabinet:
"I would like to congratulate Mike on his appointment to Interim AD. Mike is a friend, mentor and a great leader. I am very confident in his ability to continue to grow our athletic department. We are in good hands."
