Jun. 23—The University of Alaska Anchorage has hired Michael Bazemore as its new athletic director, the school said Tuesday.
Bazemore spent the last five years as athletic director at Montana State-Billings, which competes with UAA in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
“I am extremely excited to join the Seawolves family,” Bazemore said in a statement released by the university. “I would like to thank Chancellor (Cheryl) Siemers, the administration, coaches, student-athletes, and supporters for this appointment. Throughout my journey within the GNAC, I have always had a respect for UAA and the level of competitive excellence displayed. I look forward to not only contributing to this standard, but helping to elevate it.”
Bazemore replaces Ryan Swartwood, who was the UAA athletic director from 2022 to 2025. Tanya Pont, UAA’s vice chancellor for university advancement and athletics, has served as acting athletic director since Swartwood’s resignation in October.
Prior to his work at MSU Billings, Bazemore held several positions in college athletics. He was the assistant director of academic and membership affairs for the NCAA at its national office in Indianapolis.
He also worked in athletic departments at Metropolitan State University, Truman State University and the University of Sioux Falls.
According to UAA, the athletic department at MSU Billings maintained a 3.2 departmental grade-point average during his tenure and graduated more than 85% of eligible student-athletes annually.
“Michael’s vision, leadership and breadth of experience at all levels of intercollegiate athletics make him an outstanding choice to lead Seawolf Athletics,” Siemers said in a statement. “His familiarity with the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and his deep expertise in compliance position him to make an immediate impact at UAA. As a former student-athlete, he understands firsthand what it takes to support our Seawolves in competition, in the classroom and beyond.”
Bazemore earned two undergraduate degrees from Michigan State University, where he played on the football team. He also has a Master of Science in sport, recreation and fitness management from MSU Billings.
According to the university, Bazemore and his family — wife Jaime, daughter Maxi and son Major — will move to Anchorage this summer.
Bazemore is UAA’s 10th athletic director since the school gained NCAA member status in 1977. He will start on July 19 and will report to Pont.
