via Oregon Tech Athletic Communications
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The Oregon Tech athletic department is saddened to report the passing of former athletic director, Michael Schell. Schell passed away on Wednesday after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. He was 53 years old.
Originally from Umatilla, Schell, a 1995 OIT graduate, served the athletic department for 20 years – six as an assistant athletic director and 14 years as athletic director. Under his leadership, the Owls won four NAIA national titles (2004 men’s basketball, 2008 men’s basketball, 2011 softball, 2012 men’s basketball) and helped grow the department from two sports to its current 13.
“Mike was an Oregon Tech Guy,” said former OIT men’s basketball coach and athletic director, Danny Miles. “His loyalty and hard work over the years did not go unnoticed and I am proud of the work he did, not only at OIT, but the work he did in the River States Conference. Mike will be missed greatly.”
Schell was named the Cascade Collegiate Conference Athletic Director of the Year on three occasions and was named the NAIA Region I Athletic Director of the Year in 2006. He received Oregon Tech’s President’s Staff Award for “outstanding contributions to the university” in 1998-99 and the Student Affairs Department Most Valuable Partner award in 2014.
“Mike was instrumental in the growth and success of Oregon Tech Athletics during his tenure,” said Greg Stewart, OIT softball coach and associate athletic director. “His dedication and commitment to the student-athletes and staff at Tech will always be remembered.”
Following his time at OIT, Schell became the Commissioner of the River States Conference from 2018 to 2025, serving as just the second full-time commissioner in the league’s more than 100-year history. During his tenure as commissioner, the RSC experienced a period of unprecedented growth, both in on the court success and in the overall student-athlete experience across the league.
Schell served the NAIA dutifully during his more than three decades of service, serving on numerous committees, including most recently as a member of the National Administrative Council.
“Michael was a dear friend and colleague to so many at the Cascade Conference during his years at Oregon Tech and remained so after he transitioned to the River States Conference,” said CCC commissioner, Robert Cashell. “Michael led in a quiet and unassuming way, but to be sure, his impact on our league and the NAIA was significant. He will be missed.”
In his memory, the River States Conference Council of Presidents has renamed the league’s Commissioner’s Cup, the award given to the top overall athletic program, as the Michael J. Schell Commissioner’s Cup, effective immediately.
Information on a memorial service, as well as wishes from the family regarding gifts or donations, will be announced as it becomes available.
