NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. has announced that Tim House, one of the top collegiate athletics leaders and fundraisers in the country, will be the sixth Director of Athletics in school history. House, whose appointment is effective January 1, 2027, comes to ODU from Michigan State.
“When we set out to find our next Director of Athletics, we were looking for a high-energy, forward-thinking leader to keep driving our institution to new heights. But, above all, we wanted a leader of deep character and unmatched grit,” President Hemphill said. “What sets Tim apart is his profound humility combined with a fierce competitive spirit and an absolute refusal to be outworked. He is a proven leader, fundraiser and revenue generator. He has built a career working tirelessly behind the scenes so that student-athletes, coaches and staff can shine the brightest on the biggest stages.”
At Michigan State, the Spartan Athletics Foundation reported directly to House, who led a comprehensive advancement strategy, driving philanthropic growth and donor engagement. Part of that strategy included ambitious, measurable fundraising goals aligned with university priorities and athletic department needs and initiatives. In addition to serving on MSU’s leadership team, House supervised multiple sport programs and administrative teams, along with managing initiatives that positioned Michigan State for success amid an evolving intercollegiate athletics landscape. Notably, he served as an administrator for the MSU hockey team during their standout season, which saw the program win the Big Ten Championship and advance to the Elite Eight.
In being named Old Dominion University’s Director of Athletics, Tim said, “My family and I are deeply humbled and truly blessed to join the Old Dominion family. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Hemphill for his visionary leadership and the incredible privilege of being asked to serve ODU Athletics. I’ve always believed that individuals invest in people and programs they trust, and I do not take this opportunity lightly. At this very moment in what I truly believe is the greatest period of opportunity in the history of college athletics, we have a chance to do something special together in Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and across the Commonwealth. Our mission is simple: to serve our student-athletes and build champions in competition, as well as their careers and communities. That means empowering them through continuity, surrounding them with world-class support and honoring the deep passion of Monarch Nation by working tirelessly to give our programs the resources to compete at the highest level. I am truly honored to lock arms with President Hemphill, our incredible coaches, staff, supporters and fans as we write the next chapter of championship effort and Monarch excellence.”
Prior to his time at MSU, House spent seven years with Purdue, culminating in his promotion to Deputy Athletics Director and Associate Vice President for Development in 2025. While at Purdue, House demonstrated a well-rounded executive skillset beyond his track record in fundraising. He ran the hiring process for both Purdue golf coaches, programs that have perennially competed in the national championships throughout their tenures. He also spearheaded the creation of the 1869 Society, an initiative that brought Purdue-owned businesses together in direct support of student-athletes, contributing to an unprecedented run of four straight years of 100% post-graduation placement for Purdue student-athlete graduates. In recognition of his broad impact and dedication to student-athlete success, House was awarded the 2022 Joe Tiller Award, an honor voted on directly by Purdue student-athletes to recognize the individual who supported them the most.
In addition to his role within Purdue Athletics, House was appointed Chair of the Victories & Heroes Campaign Planning Committee by Purdue University President Mung Chiang, Ph.D., a distinction that underscores his ability to unite donors across the university. The $4 billion campaign, announced in February 2025, elevated Purdue’s academic and athletic excellence, making House one of the few athletics administrators to lead a fundraising effort of this scale in higher education. Under his fundraising leadership, the John Purdue Club’s annual fund grew from $6.75 million in 2018 to a record-setting $13.5 million. He spearheaded multiple major fundraising initiatives, including the More Than A Game campaign ($18 million+ raised) during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Forging Ahead campaign ($18.69 million goal). His efforts secured the three largest cash gifts in Purdue Athletics history, totaling over $50 million, including the department’s largest single cash gift of $20 million.
“Tim House has a fire in his belly to elevate an already great department into a greater one,” ODU Women’s Tennis Head Coach and Search Committee member Dominic Manilla said. “Tim’s plan for our university aligns with the charge President Hemphill set before us and the forward-focused vision of Monarch Nation. He is a man whose foundation is built soundly on faith and family. He is a highly intelligent, competitive, driven leader with the knowledge and experience to be successful in today’s college athletics landscape. I am excited to get to know Tim at a more personal level, welcome his family and together bring championships on and off the court in Norfolk.”
Beyond financial growth, House revolutionized donor engagement at Purdue. He launched the Boilermaker Athletics Representative (B.A.R.) program, a first-of-its-kind initiative that provides personalized service to John Purdue Club members and season ticket holders. He also helped launch the Lundy League in 2023, recognizing donors who contribute $250,000+ beyond annual membership to sustain long-term success.
Prior to House’s time at Purdue, he completed two stints at Army. He began in 2012 as an associate director of athletic development before leaving to become Penn’s major gifts officer. After a nearly two-year stint with the Quakers, he returned to Army as the Assistant Athletics Director for Development before being promoted to Associate Athletics Director of Development. Prior to Army, he spent close to two years at Duke.
A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, House is married to Jen and together they share three daughters, Emerson, Leah and Harper. He received his start in college athletics at Vanderbilt, starting as a marketing intern before moving into a development role. During his student years, he worked simultaneously in student roles at both Vanderbilt and Belmont. He earned his undergraduate degree in sport management from NC State and earned his graduate degree in sport administration from Belmont.
“As we continue to build a powerhouse here in the Sun Belt Conference and elevate Old Dominion University's brand and reputation across the country, Tim’s grounded nature, strategic discipline and relentless drive are precisely what we need for this next era in ODU Athletics,” President Hemphill added.
Special ODU Football Ticket Offer
Help us welcome our next Director of Athletics, Tim House, by "Packing the House" at S.B. Ballard Stadium! As a thank you, you'll get access to our final four home games for just $125 — or save $10 off individual game tickets. Click here for the offer.
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What They’re Saying About Tim House
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Tim as both a friend and colleague for many years. He is an innovative leader, a tremendous teammate and someone who consistently makes every organization better through his vision, relentless work ethic and ability to bring people together. He has a unique way of making the work fun, while driving results at the highest level. I’m thrilled for Tim, Jen and their girls as they begin this exciting new chapter, and I’m confident ODU will benefit tremendously from his leadership.”
— J Batt, Athletics Director, Kentucky and CEO, Champions Blue, LLC
"Tim was a valuable member of our leadership team at Purdue for more than seven years. He was instrumental in our ability to successfully navigate through the pandemic and structural changes in intercollegiate athletics during that time, as we achieved both a Final Four and a Big Ten football championship game appearance along the way. Tim's breadth of experience and his boundless energy and passion for pursuing excellence in intercollegiate athletics have prepared him for this opportunity. I'm confident that Old Dominion will benefit from his leadership in the years ahead. I'm thrilled for Tim, Jen and their girls as they join the Monarch family!"
— Mike Bobinski, Advisor & Former Director of Athletics, Purdue
"Tim House is a skilled and passionate leader who has a unique ability not only to connect with people, but to lead them in difficult situations. I've known him for over 20 years and had the privilege to work with him twice in his career, and I know that he is equipped for this position and will do an excellent job. I'm excited for him and the ODU community as they move forward together."
— Boo Corrigan, Athletics Director, NC State
"I’m really excited for Tim and even more for Old Dominion University in selecting him as their new Director of Athletics. While he has only been at Michigan State for a short time, Tim was here during a very pivotal year in Athletics and his leadership and experience were incredibly important. We’re in a great position moving forward at Michigan State, and I think Tim’s work in helping to start Spartan Ventures was a big part of it. Tim is a dynamic fundraiser and a great relationship builder, and I think he will be a tremendous success for the Monarchs."
— Tom Izzo, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Michigan State
“Old Dominion University has made a fantastic hire in Tim House. Tim was instrumental in the advancement of our athletic department during his time at Purdue and has had fundraising success at every place he has been. As strong as a leader he is in his professional role, he is an even better person who makes a strong impression on everyone he meets. I couldn’t be happier for Tim and his family and think he will have a great career at ODU.”
— Matt Painter, Men's Basketball Head Coach, Purdue