News & Links

St. Catherine University promotes Eric Stacey to Vice President, names Madge Makowske Director of Athletics

The leadership transition expands athletics and cocurricular programs starting June 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. – St. Catherine University President Marcheta Evans has announced the elevation of Eric Stacey to Vice President for Athletic, Performance, and Competitive Programs, recognizing his proven leadership and execution of key strategic priorities. With the addition of cocurricular programming, Madge Makowske will succeed Stacey as St. Kate's Director of Athletics. In her 30th year at St. Catherine, Makowske currently serves as Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, providing oversight of the University's varsity programs and supporting the department's long-term vision and strategy.

Stacey has served as Director of Athletics since 2005, after arriving at St. Catherine in January 1997 as the head tennis coach. Over his 29 years at St. Kate's, he has contributed to the department in multiple roles, including assistant hockey coach, sports information director, and most recently returning to guide the tennis team during the 2024–25 season.

During his tenure as Director of Athletics, Stacey elevated the department through forward-thinking planning, strengthened program visibility and operational performance, and maintained a clear commitment to student-athlete success and well-being. A strong advocate for women's athletics, he has helped drive institutional growth through the expansion of varsity offerings, enhanced facilities, and competitive excellence.

As head tennis coach, Stacey was named Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Women's Tennis Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2005, with three student-athletes earning the MIAC Chris Evert Award, given to the conference's top senior tennis student-athlete. His teams ranked in the ITA Central Region top 15 in eight seasons and achieved a top-30 national ranking twice. In 2004, the Wildcats advanced to the NCAA Championships round of 16 and finished the season ranked No. 24 in Division III.

In 2011, Stacey led the addition of varsity golf and dance, expanding the department to 12 varsity programs and creating additional full-time opportunities for female coaches. In alignment with the University's mission to educate women to lead and influence, he also helped establish full-time roles in athletic training, strength and conditioning, and sports information, along with additional assistant coaching positions.

After more than 30 years without a conference title, the tennis team claimed the 2013 MIAC Women's Tennis Championship with a 10-0 conference record. That success helped spark a new era of competitive achievement, with the Wildcats going on to win conference championships in softball, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, and dance. During Stacey's tenure, St. Catherine has earned 19 MIAC Championship titles, 13 NCAA team appearances, and the University's first-ever NCAA national championship with more than half of its teams ranked in the top 25 nationally during his tenure.

Academic excellence has remained a priority, with St. Catherine student-athletes consistently ranking among the top teams in the MIAC and Division III. Since 2005, 1,089 student-athletes have earned MIAC Academic All-Conference honors and countless academic team honors in each program.

Stacey also played a key role in advancing the University's athletics facilities. In 2015, he led a $9 million renovation and expansion of the Butler Center and Fontbonne Hall, adding dedicated indoor practice spaces, classrooms, fitness areas, and team facilities. Additional enhancements followed, including upgrades to the softball complex, a modernized weight room, expanded spectator seating, and improvements to outdoor competition venues. Most recently, the University completed renovations to the outdoor tennis courts and surrounding infrastructure in 2024.

In his new role, Stacey will lead a strategic expansion of cocurricular programming, creating new opportunities for students to apply their academic learning through competitive and creative experiences. Initial offerings will include a student choir, mock trial, and select club sports, with plans to expand music and performance-based programs that support student engagement and enrich campus life.

"I am thrilled to have Madge step into this role," said Stacey. "Madge has been a trusted and dedicated leader for our department. She has played a key role in our growth, and I am confident she will guide the Wildcats to the next level of competitive success while remaining grounded in our core values."

Stacey and Makowske have led a department marked by continuous growth, including the recent addition of flag football and lacrosse to the University's varsity offerings. Together, these leadership transitions position St. Catherine for continued success in athletics and expanded opportunities for student engagement.

"I am excited to step into this new role and honored to lead the program," said Makowske. "I want to thank Eric for his mentorship and confidence in me, and I am deeply appreciative of the support that I have received from so many individuals along the way. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated coaches and administrators to further strengthen a culture committed to developing our student-athletes to lead and influence in competition, the classroom, and the greater community."

Makowske's promotion reflects a long track record of impact across the department and the broader University community. As Associate Athletic Director, she oversaw day-to-day operations, compliance, development, fundraising, corporate sponsorships, and student-athlete well-being, while also supporting alumnae engagement and departmental initiatives. Her campus involvement has included serving as Deputy Title IX Coordinator, teaching in the Exercise and Sport Science department, and directing intramural programs.

Her influence extends beyond campus. Makowske has served on the NCAA Midwest Regional Ranking Committee, the NFCA Top 25 Ranking Committee, and currently contributes to the NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship Committee. Within the MIAC, she has been an active member of the Academic, Legislative, and Awards Committees, previously chaired the Senior Woman Administrator group, and served as a mentor and liaison to multiple sport programs.

At St. Catherine, Makowske has played a key role in developing initiatives that support student-athlete success and leadership, including contributions to hiring committees, student-athlete well-being policies, and the Wildcats Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (WSAAC).

Before transitioning fully into administration, Makowske led the St. Kate's softball program for 18 seasons, earning Four-Star Master Coach status from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). Her teams achieved significant milestones, including the program's first MIAC playoff appearance, multiple signature wins, and recognition among the NCAA Division III's most improved teams. They also excelled academically, highlighted by a No. 5 national ranking in team GPA and consistent Academic All-Conference honors.

Prior to St. Catherine, Makowske served as head softball coach at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, leading the program to its highest-ever finish at the state championships.

A standout multi-sport athlete, Makowske competed in five collegiate sports and was named Female Athlete of the Year and Most Valuable Student-Athlete in 1986. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University and a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University.

Makowske remains active in national organizations, including Women Leaders in Sports, Women in Sports and Events (WISE), WeCOACH, and the NFCA.

She will officially assume the role of Director of Athletics on June 1.