Corey Borchardt Named WIAC Commissioner

MADISON, Wis.--The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) announced today that Corey Borchardt has been selected as the WIAC Commissioner effective July 1, 2026, following a national search.

Borchardt has served as commissioner for the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) since July 2008, and ushered the conference into a new era in its history in securing Division III membership with the NCAA. Under his leadership, the UMAC has added two new full member institutions and eight associate member institutions, added six conference-sponsored sports and championships, and secured automatic qualification berths to the NCAA Division III Championship in five additional sports.

“We are thrilled to welcome Corey to the WIAC as the new commissioner. He brings experience, knowledge, innovative ideas, and a true passion for Division III intercollegiate athletics. He impressed the search committee and Council of Chancellors throughout the search process, and we look forward to working with him and celebrating the continued success of the WIAC,” said Katherine Frank, Chair of the WIAC Council of Chancellors and UW-Stout Chancellor.

Borchardt, a native of Rib Lake, Wis., has been extensively involved in DIII athletics at the national level He is a member of the Division III Commissioners Association Executive Committee and currently serving as Vice President and represents the group on the NCAA Convention Planning Committee.

“I am deeply honored to be named Commissioner of the WIAC, a conference defined by historic excellence and a legacy of national championships. As someone originally from Wisconsin, this opportunity is especially meaningful on a personal level,” said Borchardt. “I look forward to working with the WIAC Chancellors, athletics administrators, faculty athletics representatives, coaches and other representatives from our member institutions to carry out a shared vision for the next chapter of the WIAC in an ever-evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. My goal is to collaborate effectively in building on the storied tradition of the conference, pursue even greater national success, contribute to the future shaping of Division III, and continue providing a premier NCAA Division III experience for WIAC student-athletes.”

Borchardt was as a member of the NCAA Division III Membership Committee from 2021-25, serving as chair of the committee for the final two years. He recently concluded a four-year term on the National Association for Division III Athletics Administrators Executive Committee. He was previously a member of the NCAA Division III Championships Committee (serving as chair for two years) and the NCAA Division III Strategic Planning & Finance Committee. Borchardt completed four-year terms on the NCAA Division III Baseball Committee and NCAA Division III Women’s and Ethnic Minority Internship Grant Selection Committee, which he chaired in the final year of committee service.

Borchardt was on the staff at University of Northwestern (Minn.) as the Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Information from 2003-07. Remaining at Northwestern after his time in sports information, he directed the Office of College Communications, followed by his role as the Assistant Campaign Director.

Early career experiences for Borchardt included time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

Borchardt has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Northwestern and a master’s degree in athletics sports management from the University of St. Thomas (Minn.). Corey and his wife Lexi have three children Parker (20), Gavin (17) and Mya (14).

The WIAC is a premier NCAA Division III conference, uniting eight public universities and more than 5,000 student-athletes committed to excellence in athletics, academics, and personal growth. The conference continues to develop outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and administrators, excelling in championships, academics, and community impact. With more than 400,000 alumni and a culture that blends tradition with innovation, the WIAC remains a standard-bearer for athletic and educational excellence across the state.

‍What They Are Saying About Corey Borchardt:‍Dan McKane, Commissioner - Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) "Corey has done an outstanding job leading the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to the student-athlete experience. His collaborative approach and steady leadership make him an excellent choice to guide the WIAC into its next chapter."

‍Matt Johnson, Director of Athletics - University of Minnesota Morris (Chair of the UMAC Council of Athletics Directors)"Corey leaves a long-lasting legacy in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference. His leadership, his ability to forge meaningful relationships, and his genuine commitment to the student-athlete experience have shaped our league in so many ways. We’re grateful for the vision and energy he brought to the UMAC, and we wish him nothing but the best in his new role with the WIAC."

‍Eric Hartung, Director of Division III for Governance and Membership Services - NCAA"Corey served as Chair of the Division III Membership Committee in 2023 and 2024 leading the committee in its work to revamp the provisional and reclassification processes and to establish the eligibility pilot program. Corey navigated these matters and many others with professionalism, always ensuring all voices were heard, and all options considered before a final decision was made."

‍Rob Larson, Professor of Management - Luther College (Division III Management Council Chair)"Corey brings to his new position both a keen appreciation of the many constituencies that contribute to successful college athletic programs and an exceptional capacity to interact and engage these different groups. This serves to both inform him on a range of matters and allows information to efficiently flow to a wide range of stakeholders."

‍Keri Alexander Luchowski, Executive Director - North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) (President of the NCAA Division III Commissioners Association)“The WIAC hit a grand slam with this hire. Corey is one the finest commissioners in the country, at any level. He is a presence on the national stage but also an incredibly steady and adept leader of his conference, perhaps one of the best relationship builders that I have witnessed. I have been blessed to work with him over the past 16 years, most recently in his role as the Vice President of the Division III Commissioners Association. I am privileged to call him a friend and am thrilled that Division III will benefit from his wisdom and experience for years to come."