Michigan State University Athletics
Former MSU AD Merritt Norvell Passes Away
10/20/2020 4:01:00 PM | General
EAST LANSING -- Former Michigan State University Director of Athletics Merritt J. Norvell, Jr. has passed away. Norvell, who was MSU's first Black Director of Athletics, was appointed to the position in July 1995 and served through the spring of 1999, a time when he oversaw three Hall of Fame head coaches in Tom Izzo, Ron Mason and Nick Saban.
"The thoughts of the entire Michigan State Athletics family are with the family and friends of Merritt Norvell," said MSU Director of Athletics Bill Beekman. "Beyond his contributions at Michigan State, his impact was felt across college athletics, including at the national level. Over the last couple days, I've been particularly impressed with the number of athletic directors I've heard from who were impacted by his mentorship. It's quite a tribute to him professionally and personally."
Under Norvell, the MSU athletic department made strides in several facets, perhaps most notably in fundraising. His initiatives led to the department's first ever capital financial campaign, which raised $8.2 million in nine months, as well as the construction of the $7.5 million Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center. A $5 million renovation to the football complex and the $3.8 million addition of suites and a club to Munn Ice Arena also commenced during his tenure.
Norvell also developed and implemented a gender-equity plan which met Title IX laws. Additionally, his leadership helped increase MSU's advertising and sponsorship revenue by 183%, or $1.1 million.
In competition, the Spartans reached the NCAA Final Four in three sports during Norvell's tenure (volleyball, 1995; hockey, 1999; men's basketball, 1999). Spartan teams combined for seven league championships, while the football team played in three bowl games in Norvell's four years as AD.
A 1963 graduate of Wisconsin, Norvell played for the 1963 Big Ten champions and Rose Bowl representative, and later served UW as a member of the school's athletic board from 1990-94.
"The thoughts of the entire Michigan State Athletics family are with the family and friends of Merritt Norvell," said MSU Director of Athletics Bill Beekman. "Beyond his contributions at Michigan State, his impact was felt across college athletics, including at the national level. Over the last couple days, I've been particularly impressed with the number of athletic directors I've heard from who were impacted by his mentorship. It's quite a tribute to him professionally and personally."
Under Norvell, the MSU athletic department made strides in several facets, perhaps most notably in fundraising. His initiatives led to the department's first ever capital financial campaign, which raised $8.2 million in nine months, as well as the construction of the $7.5 million Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center. A $5 million renovation to the football complex and the $3.8 million addition of suites and a club to Munn Ice Arena also commenced during his tenure.
Norvell also developed and implemented a gender-equity plan which met Title IX laws. Additionally, his leadership helped increase MSU's advertising and sponsorship revenue by 183%, or $1.1 million.
In competition, the Spartans reached the NCAA Final Four in three sports during Norvell's tenure (volleyball, 1995; hockey, 1999; men's basketball, 1999). Spartan teams combined for seven league championships, while the football team played in three bowl games in Norvell's four years as AD.
A 1963 graduate of Wisconsin, Norvell played for the 1963 Big Ten champions and Rose Bowl representative, and later served UW as a member of the school's athletic board from 1990-94.
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