AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin has appointed Houston attorney Mike Perrin to serve as Interim Men’s Athletics Director at least through August to replace Steve Patterson, who has resigned. A severance and transition agreement is pending approval by The UT System Board of Regents.
“Steve Patterson is a talented sports executive who brought important ideas and changes to our athletics program,” said Gregory L. Fenves, president of The University of Texas at Austin. “We appreciate the good things he accomplished in his time here and wish him the best in future endeavors.”
“Athletics is vitally important to the Longhorn nation,” said Fenves. “For many, athletics is the front door to the university. The excellence and integrity of our program shines a bright light on all we do. Mike Perrin will solidify strong relationships with and among our student-athletes, faculty, students, alumni and coaches, building morale for student-athletes and staff.
“Mike, a devoted Longhorn and respected Texan, has worked throughout his career to make the university a better place and is highly qualified to do so again in this new role,” Fenves said.
Perrin earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a law degree from UT Austin, where he was a Longhorn football letterman under Coach Darrell Royal.
Perrin later gained prominence as a partner in multiple Houston law firms and currently owns Michael W. Perrin PLLC. He has served on UT Austin’s Council for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and led fundraising campaigns at the law school. He has received the university’s Presidential Citation, and he is a member of UT Austin’s Men’s Athletics Hall of Honor.
“I’m honored to be asked by President Fenves to serve as interim men’s athletic director. I will focus on helping the university find the best fit in a future director while listening to all the needs of the Longhorn family,” said Perrin. “As a former UT student-athlete, long-time fan and volunteer with Texas Athletics, I’ve worked closely with faculty, students, alumni, coaches and administrators. I will continue to do so in an effort to bring the Longhorn nation together.”
Both Fenves and Perrin expressed support for current Longhorns.
“I fully support Coach Charlie Strong, Coach Shaka Smart and all of our other coaches and student-athletes in every sport. They work hard to win with integrity, and they represent Texas well,” Fenves said.
Statement from Steve Patterson
After considerable discussion, The University of Texas at Austin President, Gregory Fenves, and I have agreed that our great university will be best served by a new men’s athletic director. Accordingly, I have agreed to step aside effective today. Change is never easy, but I have every confidence that UT Athletics will continue to thrive as it embraces the future. I want to thank President Fenves for the graciousness he has displayed throughout this process.
I am very proud of what we have accomplished in a relatively short period of time, including the historic addition of coaches in football and basketball, improvements to ticketing operations, facilities and other initiatives that will greatly benefit our Longhorn student-athletes and the many fans who care deeply about them. As a Longhorn myself, a graduate of the University and its law school, I want nothing but the best for my alma mater, and I wish President Fenves and everyone at UT-Austin well as we continue the journey. I leave behind a motivated and dedicated team committed to the world-class standards that all Longhorns expect.
I thank this team, our student athletes and the entire Longhorn family for having given me this opportunity to serve.
Hook ‘em!
