Detroit Mercy A.D. Resigns Abruptly

Her resignation, effective immediately, was announced in a news release issued by the school, which said she was leaving to pursue other interests.

Derek Thomas, who had been on men’s basketball coach Ray McCallum’s staff since he arrived in Detroit five years ago, also resigned effective immediately to pursue other interests, a separate release said.

McCallum wouldn’t comment on Thomas’ resignation.

The release indicated that Jason Horn, the school’s associate athletics director for external affairs, would assume the role of athletic director until a successor is found.

In a prepared statement, UDM President Antoine M. Garibaldi said: “The university appreciates Keri’s many contributions to the athletics program at UDM, and we wish her well in her future endeavors.’

Garibaldi did not return calls seeking comment.

According to the release, Horn joined UDM in September of 2011 in his current role. His professional career spans almost 20 years in marketing and promotions, ticketing and sales. He has worked at the University of Miami, the Palace of Auburn Hills, the NBA Development League, Bowling Green State University, University of Central Florida and at the 1996 and 2002 Olympic Games. A Detroit native, Horn earned a bachelor of arts in communications from the University of Michigan.

Gaither had nearly 25 years of experience as part of the UDM program and was named athletic director in 2007.

Under Gaither’s leadership, the Titans expanded its Division I sports teams from 16 to 19 with the addition of men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse and men’s tennis. She also oversaw major facility renovations and developments, including the $1.6-million, all-purpose synthetic turf field and track, the tennis pavilion complex, the new basketball court dedicated to Dick Vitale and the new grass field to accommodate the lacrosse and soccer teams.

Thomas, the son of former Kansas City Chief Emmitt Thomas, was recently ranked No. 5 of the top 50 assistant coaches at the mid-to-low Division I level, according to Hoop Scoop. He arrived on McCallum’s staff in June 2008 and helped the program to its Horizon League tournament title last season.

Thomas was an active member of the Division I Ethics Coalition, a national effort between the NCAA and its member coaches to promote ethical conduct.