Ballinger Named New Athletic Director at Cleary

(Howell, MI)-- Cleary University is excited to announce Max Ballinger as its next athletic director.  Ballinger, the former assistant athletic director of Cleary, will begin his new role on January 9, 2023.  He succeeds Heather Bateman, who will be staying at the University in her current role of senior vice president of campus operations while continuing oversight of the athletic department.

An experienced athletic administrator, Ballinger had served in his role of assistant athletic director since January 2020.  He has overseen student-athlete eligibility, sports information, scheduling, and game administration.  He has been pivotal in the hiring of quality coaches to help Cleary athletics continue its commitment to competing in the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC).

“We are extremely excited to see Max take the next step in his career development as athletic director,” said Heather Bateman.  “Max is a trusted member of our campus community, whose experience and leadership have been invaluable during his time here.  We have taken steps to grow, adding sports like esports, men’s and women’s basketball, and ACHA division 3 hockey, and Max has been an essential part of bringing those goals to fruition.”

Ballinger is excited to become CU’s next athletic director, and looks forward to beginning his new role.

“First, I would like to thank Heather Bateman for this tremendous opportunity. I look forward to continuing to build upon her vision for our growing athletic department. We have such strong support from campus and community leaders that is reflected by our current staff. We have set some lofty expectations for our athletic department and I believe that we have the right pieces on our current coaching staff to meet those expectations.”

A graduate of Central Michigan University with a degree in sports management, Ballinger would earn a master’s degree in culture, change, and leadership from Cleary University in May 2022.

He began working in athletics while at Central Michigan, where he was a student manager of the men's basketball team, helping the Chippewas to the MAC Championship in 2015.  After graduating from Central Michigan, Ballinger worked at Lansing Community College where he was the assistant to the athletic director.  He then worked at Macomb Community College where he was the sports information and athletic coordinator before joining the Cleary staff in January 2020.  

“Once again, I am very humbled by the opportunity to lead Cleary athletics into its next chapter. This would not be possible without my family and friends who have supported me throughout my career. Go Cougars!”