BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings' Athletic Department has named Michael Bazemore its new Director of Compliance/Internal Operations Monday. Bazemore will assume the compliance duties Oct. 1.

As the Director of Compliance/Internal Operations, Bazemore will oversee the NCAA compliance for all 17 MSUB varsity sports teams, student-athletes, coaches, athletic staff, and all appropriate university personnel. He will also monitor the NCAA-mandated requirements as well as all the rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA.

"I would like to thank Krista (Montague), the search committee and Dr. Groseth for their selection," Bazemore said. "This is a great opportunity and I look forward to serving the department in this new capacity. MSUB has a great atmosphere. I am excited to work with the student-athletes, coaches and fellow administrative colleagues."

Bazemore worked as the Assistant Director of Operations and Media Relations for the past two years at MSUB. Prior to his appointment to the media relations department, he completed an internship with the intercollegiate athletics department.

While the Assistant Director of Operations and Media Relations, Bazemore was responsible for complete coverage of men's and women's soccer, women's basketball, baseball and men's and women's tennis along with assisting in coverage of all varsity team media relations. He was also key in the monitoring and hiring MSUB's work-study students for athletic events.

A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Bazemore recently completed his Master's degree at Montana State University Billings in Sports, Recreation and Fitness Management (2012). His undergraduate studies were completed at Michigan State University where he earned two Bachelor's degrees; Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science (2005) and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (2006).

"Mike has in-depth knowledge of the many functions within our department and we are pleased to promote him to Director of Compliance/Internal Operations," Montague said. "It is exciting to add someone who brings a high level of commitment and determination to succeed. He is the right fit and great addition to our compliance staff.

I am confident that he, along with our administration, coaches, staff, and student-athletes, will maintain the continuity of rules compliance within the department, university, conference, and NCAA. As a compliance intern, and then assistant sports information director, he worked very well with our coaching staff and is now ready to lead our efforts in this important area."

Bazemore attended Michigan State on an athletic scholarship, and was a four year letter winner for the varsity football team. He was a defensive starter for the 2004 and 2005 seasons, and earned Academic All Big-Ten honors during the 2002 season.

After his tenure at Michigan State, Bazemore pursued a career in professional football. He attended the Detroit Lions rookie mini-camp during the 2006 season, then played arena football from 2007 to 2011. While playing for the Billings Outlaws and Sioux Falls Storm, he was selected to the all-league team three times and earned three league championships.

Bazemore also served as an intern with the University of Sioux Falls' athletic department. He assisted with various administrative, compliance, sports information, and game day operations. Bazemore was also a student-teacher at MSUB and recently instructed the HHP 292: Coaching Football course during the 2011 fall semester.

Bazemore resides in Billings and remains an active member of the community through volunteer coaching in various youth football leagues and camps.