MIDDLETOWN, Ohio- The River States Conference is saddened to report the passing of Commissioner Michael J. Schell. Schell passed away on Wednesday after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. He was 53 years old.

Schell continued to serve the River States Conference into the final weeks of his life, including attendance at the RSC Track and Baseball Championships. 

"Commissioner Schell embodied the mission and values of the NAIA," said University of Rio Grande president Ryan Smith, who also chairs the league's Council of Presidents. "We are better for having known him and will continue to honor him by modeling his dedication."

Schell served as 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 Schell's tenure as commissioner, the River States Conference experienced a period of unprecedented growth, both in on the court success and in the overall student-athlete experience across the league.

Prior to his time with the River States Conference, Schell served 14 years as Director of Athletics at Oregon Tech and six years as Assistant Director prior to that. At Oregon Tech, Schell oversaw the Athletics Department, which included 13 intercollegiate sports, club sports, intramural sports, a recreation center and outdoor program operations. 

Schell 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 one of those years.  He 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.

Schell served the NAIA dutifully during his more than three decades of service, serving on numerous committees, including most recently as a member of the National Administrative Council.

A native of Oregon, Schell earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Oregon Tech in 1995, spending almost 35 years in the NAIA between his time as a student and as an administrator.

In his memory, the River States Conference Council of Presidents has renamed the league's Commissioner's Cup, the award given to the top overall athletic program, as the Michael J. Schell Commissioner's Cup, effective immediately. 

Information on a memorial service, as well as wishes from the family regarding gifts or donations, will be announced as it becomes available.