Michael Schell tragically passed away on Wednesday after a battle with stomach cancer.
Originally from Umatilla, Schell, a 1995 OIT graduate, served the athletic department for 20 years, six years as an assistant athletic director and 14 years as athletic director.
Under his leadership, the Owls won four NAIA national titles and helped grow the department from two sports to its current 13.
He was named the Cascade Collegiate Conference Athletic Director of the Year on three occasions and was named the NAIA Region I Athletic Director of the Year in 2006.
Schell received Oregon Tech’s President’s Staff Award for “outstanding contributions to the University” in 1998-99 and the Student Affairs Department Most Valuable Partner award in 2014.
Following his time at OIT, he became the Commissioner of the River States Conference from 2018 to 2025, serving as just the second full-time Commissioner in the league’s more than 100-year history.
During his tenure as Commissioner, the RSC experienced unprecedented growth in on-court success and overall student-athlete experience across the league.
Former OIT Athletic Director Michael Schell Died Due To Stomach Cancer
Former Athletic Director of OIT, Michael Schell, born in 1971, took his last breath on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 53 from the complications of stomach cancer.
Hustlin Owl fans took their official Facebook handle and mourned Michael’s tragic loss. They wrote,
Mike was a huge piece of Oregon Tech Athletics for many years. He moved to Commissioner of the River States Conference. All my contacts in the River States liked and highly respected Mike. I got to see Mike in Indiana a couple of years ago and it was a chance to thank him for everything he did for Oregon Tech. We are better because Mike was here and we all mourn his passing 🙏
Hustlin Owl Fans
Ryan Arrowood, head men’s basketball coach at the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College, also took to his official Facebook handle and offered a heartfelt condolence by stating,
Our AD Jeff Lanham said it correctly. The River States Conference was a better place because of the sacrifices Michael Schell made. May he rest in peace
Ryan Arrowood
Point Park University Athletics’ vice president, Scott Swain, released a statement appreciating the dedication of Michael Schell and sent prayers to Michael’s family and friends to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment. He wrote,
“As a member of the River States Conference for more than a decade, Point Park University is deeply saddened by the passing of Commissioner Michael Schell. We appreciate Michael’s dedication to the RSC and NAIA athletics and value the relationships we built as a member of the conference. Pioneer student-athletes enjoyed many successes and opportunities while competing in the River States Conference. The entire Point Park community sends condolences to Michael’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Scott Swain
Michael’s long-time friend Mike Stafford Jr., a sports information director at Oregon Tech, also mourned the tragic loss and wrote,
Mike was my friend for the last 25 years…had a ton of great memories…gone way too soon!
Mike Stafford Jr.
Joe Glover, a vice chancellor for University Relations at Indiana University, said he was the one who helped bring Michael to the River States Conference and offered his heartfelt condolences. He wrote,
This is a tough one. I was on the team who helped bring Michael Schell to the River States Conference. He helped us so much and his attention to detail helped the conference evolve with the changing landscape of college athletics. Being a Commissioner is not an easy job. Someone is always mad at you. We were lucky to have him. I’m glad he’s no longer in pain or suffering. I will miss my friend. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Joe Glover
Other close friends and relatives have also expressed their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers for Michael to stay strong in this challenging time.
Michael will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions as the Commissioner of the River States Conference and athletic director of OIT.
His family will soon reveal the funeral service schedule. Rest in Heaven, Michael Schell.
Michael Schell Is Survived By His Brother James Schell And Sister Donna Ackerson
Michael Schell, former commissioner at the River States Conference, grew up in Oregon with one brother, James Schell, and one sister, Donna Ackerson.
James’s official Facebook handle states that he divorced in 2020. However, he has kept his personal life private.
On the other hand, Michael’s sister, Donna, was originally from Zephyrhills but now lives in Herkimer, New York.
According to her Facebook handle, she attended Umatilla High School.
Currently, James and Donna are mourning the tragic death of their brother, Michael Schell.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Michael Schell received a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology from Oregon Institute of Technology in 1995.
- As per Michael’s Facebook handle, he is single and has never been in a relationship.
- In 2011, under Schell’s leadership, OIT raised over $200,000 in seven months to replace Oregon Tech’s aging basketball floor.
