After 10 years at the helm of Miami University athletics, Brad Bates has left Oxford to become Boston College’s (BC) next athletic director. Bates replaces former BC Athletic Director Gene DeFilippo, who retired Sept. 30 after serving as the school’s athletic director for 15 years.

“I’d be remiss if I did not thank [Miami] President David Hodge and the wonderful family of RedHawks back in Ohio,” Bates said during a 1:30 p.m. press conference Tuesday. “I want to thank [Boston College President Fr. William P.] Leahy for this exceptional opportunity and to publicly acknowledge how privileged I feel with your trust.”

Bates oversaw on and off the field athletic success at Miami, including an improvement in Miami’s student-athlete Graduation Success Rate (GSR), ranging from 83 to 90 percent, at least one championship in 14 of Miami’s 18 varsity sports and facility upgrades. In 2011, Miami had an overall student-athlete GSR of 89 percent, nine points higher than the national average.

“He’s viewed as a national leader [and is] really respected throughout the industry,” Hodge said. “He’s just a classy guy. It’s been a real joy and privilege to work with him.”

Senior Associate Athletic Director Steve Cady said Bates’ integrity and commitment to student-athletes made him a national leader.

“When he was here, he knew the name of every student athlete,” Cady said. “He was a tireless worker, and it was always driven by the fact that he was concerned about student development. He is one of the most humble people that you could ever want to be around. He had numerous opportunities to go elsewhere. I can’t speak enough about his commitment to students, his integrity.”

According to Mike Pearson, assistant athletic director for communication and technology, no one has had as great of an impact as Bates.

“Every moment of his time at work was thinking about how we could be better in athletics, in academics, in sending our student athletes onto success once they get off the field,” Pearson said. “I think that from an overall standpoint … I think that Brad’s departure is as significant a loss to any institution that I’ve served.”

After being introduced at Boston College Tuesday, Bates returned to Miami Thursday for the introduction of Interim Athletic Director Steve Snyder. Bates thanked the entire athletic department in a brief meeting, receiving a standing ovation after.

“The reason why people stood up and the reason why people love Brad so much is because Brad loves people,” Senior Associate Athletic Director for Business and Finance Josh Fenton said. “I don’t care if you’re the head football coach or the administrative assistant that works in some other building, he genuinely appreciates and has relationships with people across the board, and I think that’s why people love him; I know that’s why people love him.”