Saginaw Valley State

Mike Watson began his duties as Director of Athletics on Feb. 26, 2007.  Since his arrival in 2007, Watson has worked feverishly to enhance the student-athlete experience on the field and in the classroom.  The addition of a synthetic playing surfance, lights and a new video scoreboard to Wickes Stadium in 2011 is just small example of the facility enhancements that have occured.

He came to SVSU from Miami University of Ohio, where his professional career spanned more than two decades, including his final position, Associate Director of Athletics, which he held for 11 years.  In his career in the Miami athletic department, Watson had responsibility for all facets of the athletic program, including supervision of seven sports, budget management, long-range planning, facilities development, event management and NCAA compliance.

After working as an assistant football coach at Miami from 1983 to 1988, Watson joined the Office of Alumni Relations.  There he worked his way up in eight years from an assistant director to an associate director with specific responsibility for Alumni Relations as well as Associate Director for the Office of Development servicing as the chief fundraiser for the School of Education and Allied Professions.  Watson also implemented a scholarship endowment project known as Project MIND (Miami's Investment in Diversity).

A 1979 graduate of Miami University, Watson played collegiate football there and was selected in the third round of the 1977 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins before playing four years for the New Orleans Saints.

Watson resides in Saginaw Township with his wife Cindy, daughter Tory and son Brady.