Athletic Director Tommy Bell works at his desk Monday in Lingle Hall. Bell, who has been working in athletics for his entire career, said the athletic department puts a big focus on athletes' academic achievements. "What I like best about being an athletic director is the daily challenges," Bell said. "Serving the people. Achieving success. But ultimately, it's all about our students." — May 9, 2016, Carbondale, Ill.
Tommy Bell came in with a 10-point plan to restore the glory of Saluki Athletics but encountered turbulence along the way. Illinois' budget impasse, which started last July, cut off a large portion of the university’s annual income.