CHENEY, Wash. — After fifty years in education and intercollegiate athletics, Eastern Washington University Athletic Director Lynn Hickey has made the decision to retire from her current role when her contract expires April 30.

Hickey came to Eastern in 2018 after serving as Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics at the University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA) for 18 years. The beginning of her career coincided with the start of Title IX, and Hickey was a pioneer as one of the first women to play, coach and then administer collegiate sports.

She cites a desire to be closer to family in the Texas-Oklahoma area, including her only daughter, as a key reason for her decision.

"I would like to thank EWU and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve the institution the past five years," says Hickey. "I am incredibly passionate about intercollegiate athletics and will miss the interaction and competition, but it is time for me to prioritize my family. I will forever cherish my Eagle experience due to the wonderful student-athletes, staff, and fans that I have been fortunate to work with and who epitomize our values of grit, grace and gratitude."

Hickey says those values were exemplified as the department navigated challenges presented by the pandemic. During her tenure she advocated for Eastern to remain in the Big Sky as a Division I program, rebuilt the department staff and hired eight head coaches, and ensured student-athletes competed both in the classroom and on the courts and fields.

"With a significant staff re-build, we are prepared to now move forward with several exciting initiatives in the next few months. I look forward to working with Eagles everywhere to 'finish strong' and help implement those initiatives this spring so that the new leader of this program has a great foundation to build upon. The future is bright and sustainable in solidifying Eagle athletics as a force in the Big Sky Conference." 

Hickey led an athletics department that includes 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women. The department is designed to be an integral component of the campus community, while also enhancing the value, image and visibility of the university throughout the nation.

"I want to thank Lynn Hickey for all her years of service not only to college athletics, but specifically for her hard work here at Eastern," says President Shari McMahan. "Lynn has always supported our student-athletes with positivity and professionalism, and she will leave that great legacy at EWU and in intercollegiate athletics."

"I have been blessed to have been involved in coaching and administration at the high school and college level for 50 years," adds Hickey. "It is time for a new adventure, and I look forward to moving closer to family and finding new ways to continue to have an impact and be of service in this business that I love so much. GO EAGS!!"

Eastern Washington University will conduct a national search for the position of Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics, beginning immediately.