Public Media from Michigan State University

Joe Kearney, former MSU Athletics Director, dies

By Scott Pohl, WKAR

EAST LANSING, MI –

Former Michigan State University Athletics Director Joe Kearney has died, reportedly of cancer.

After running the sports programs at the University of Washington, Kearney led Spartan athletics from 1976 to 1980. He left MSU for Arizona State University, and later was commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference.

He also served on the U-S Olympic Committee.

Among the coaches he hired during his time in East Lansing were basketball coach Jud Heathcote and hockey coach Ron Mason.

Joe Kearney was 83.

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Email