A Homecoming for a Seasoned Administrator
The University of Wisconsin announced this week that Shawn Eichorst, a Wisconsin native and former Texas Longhorns deputy athletic director, will assume the role of Athletic Director for the Badgers, with current director Chris McIntosh transitioning to a strategic advisory position.
Eichorst’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin‑Whitewater (1990) and a law degree from Marquette University (1995), foundations that have supported his two‑decade career in college athletics.
His professional journey began as Athletic Director at Wisconsin‑Whitewater from 1999 to 2003, followed by a stint as Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of South Carolina (2004‑2006), a leadership role at the University of Miami (2011‑2013), and a tenure at Nebraska where he fired coach Bo Pelini and later hired Mike Riley.
During his time at Nebraska, Eichorst’s decisions were shaped by a close relationship with former Wisconsin Athletic Director Barry Alvarez, who mentored him and advocated for his return to the Badgers’ home state.
Now back in Madison, Eichorst will work alongside Chancellor Ronnie Green and a talented coaching staff, while sports journalist Pete Thamel highlighted the significance of the hire for the program’s future.