CHICAGO (Aug. 17, 2026) – UIC Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Andrea Williams announced today the hiring of Tyler Mitchell as the department's new Associate Athletics Director for Development.
 
Mitchell joins the Flames after three years at Lewis University, where he most recently served as Associate Athletic Director for Development. During his tenure at Lewis, Mitchell helped generate more than $1.5 million in gifts to support athletics, while also revamping the department's Athletic Annual Fund campaign and producing record numbers of gifts and donors.
 
"Tyler brings the experience, energy and relationship-driven approach that we were looking for as we continue to build UIC Athletics," said Williams. "We are in an exciting period of momentum, and our ability to create transformational opportunities for our student-athletes will depend on the strength of the relationships we build with our alumni, donors and friends. Tyler understands the power of those relationships and shares our vision for what UIC Athletics can become."
 
In his new role, Mitchell will lead development efforts across UIC Athletics, with a focus on cultivating and stewarding relationships as well as expanding philanthropic support for the Flames' 18 NCAA Division I programs. He will also help advance strategic fundraising initiatives designed to support the department's continued investment in the student-athlete experience and competitive excellence.
 
Mitchell spent three years as Lewis' leadership gift officer for athletics before being promoted to Associate Athletic Director for Development in August 2025. In that role, he led athletics development initiatives in collaboration with University Advancement, including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns and donor stewardship, while also overseeing the department's corporate sponsorship program.
 
"There has never been a better time to be a UIC Flame and I am deeply grateful to Andrea Williams and the leadership team for this opportunity," said Mitchell. "You can feel the momentum building across the department and philanthropic support will be the catalyst that drives us forward. I'm excited to work closely with colleagues, passionate alumni and the Chicago community to elevate our programs and provide our student-athletes every resource they need to compete at the highest level."
 
Before joining Lewis, Mitchell served as a Client Sales Representative at Robert Edward Auctions, where he managed more than 150 clients throughout the Midwest and generated more than $3 million in consignments during his tenure. He began his career at Rice University, where he oversaw student philanthropy and the university's Telefund program. His work included leading Rice's Senior Gift Campaign, which achieved more than 45 percent senior participation as well as the largest day of giving in the campaign's history.
 
A graduate of the University of Toledo and West Virginia University, Mitchell is a Wheaton, Ill., native and resides in Chicago.
 
For more information on UIC Athletics, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UICFlames) and Instagram (@uicflames).