Old Dominion University Named Tim House Athletics Director
The Norfolk university selected Tim House to lead its athletics department as the current director prepares to retire.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in People
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Old Dominion University has announced the appointment of Tim House as the institution's sixth athletics director. He will succeed Wood Selig, whose retirement becomes effective at the end of the year.
Why it matters
The university sought an athletics leader with a strong background in revenue generation to drive institutional growth. Tim House was selected for his extensive experience in fundraising and donor engagement strategies developed at multiple collegiate programs.
Tim House brings experience from a career spanning stops at Michigan State, Army, Penn, and Duke. He previously served at Purdue University for a duration of 7 years.
The players
Tim House
He is the incoming athletics director at Old Dominion University who previously held positions at Michigan State, Purdue, Army, Penn, and Duke.
Wood Selig
He is the outgoing athletics director at Old Dominion University who is retiring after leading the department.
The details
The selection process for the new leader was managed by the university president to ensure a focus on long-term athletic success. House is expected to leverage his professional background to stabilize and grow the athletics department in Norfolk.
Timeline
Tim House was introduced as athletics director on September 18, 2026.
Wood Selig will conclude his tenure on December 31, 2026.
Tim House will officially begin his new role on January 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
This transition follows the organizational precedent set by the retirement of Wood Selig at the conclusion of his term. The move aligns with broader industry trends where universities prioritize hiring athletic administrators with specialized experience in donor engagement to compete in the current collegiate landscape.
The transition in athletic leadership may influence future donor-funded projects and athletic department priorities for local fans and university stakeholders. Residents should anticipate changes in institutional fundraising strategies as the new director implements his revenue-generation agenda.
The takeaway
The appointment highlights the increasing pressure on university athletics departments to act as centers for institutional fundraising and growth. Stakeholders should observe how the new leadership integrates traditional athletic oversight with modern fiscal management requirements.
What happens next
Tim House will formally assume his responsibilities as the athletics director at Old Dominion University on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on leadership changes in the region, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAVY-TV 10 Hampton Roads.
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