Northern Kentucky University has chosen Michael J. Cusack, former Wright State University director of athletics, as the interim athletic director, starting April 15.
During his tenure with Wright State as Athletics director for 27 years (1982-2008), Cusack helped the university obtain Division II standing from Division I, in the year 1987.
He was also responsible for the construction of the Nutter Center as well as its training facility, baseball stadium, soccer and softball fields and tennis courts.
Cusack's employment follows the suspension of Scott Eaton, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, March 18, over unspecified ethical violations.
"My decision was compelled by his failure to comply with the University's Ethical Principals and Code of Conduct. His conduct did not meet his responsibility to the University and lacked fundamental integrity," NKU President Geoffrey Mearns said.
The details about the allegations have not yet been revealed due to the ongoing investigation.
Means said that Eaton is not involved in any financial blunders including missing money, NCAA rules violations, negative impacts on student athletes, or any criminal activity.
The university will still be conducting an evaluation to confirm all these allegations.
Eaton served as athletic director since 2009 and is credited to have enhanced its athletics program status to NCAA Division I standing in the Atlantic Sun Conference last year.
NKU sophomore Ethan Dowden said that the timing of Eaton's suspension is not right, when the university has achieved a D-1 status recently.
The university has begun its national search for Eaton's successor. Gerard St. Amand, vice president of university advancement, will continue to serve as an acting athletic director until Cusack arrives.