Hollis announced his resignation in the wake of the scandal involving Larry Nassar, team doctor at MSU's Sports Clinic and for USA Gymnastics, who was sentenced this week to 40-175 years for sexually assaulting members of the US Women's Gymnastics team as well as some Spartan athletes.
Hollis joins a number of MSU administrators to depart from the Big Ten school in East Lansing, including president Lou Anna Simon, who resigned Wednesday.
Hollis' last day as AD for the Spartans will be Jan. 31, ten years and one month after taking the helm of the Spartans' intercollegiate athletics programs.
Hollis, a 1985 graduate of Michigan State, returned to his alma mater in 1995 to become the school's associate AD for external relations. Among his duties: coordinating marketing and promotions, community relations, sports information, ticket operations, broadcast services, and corporate sponsorships. Hollis assumed the AD title on Jan. 1, 2008.
In reporting on Hollis' departure, the New York Times described the Michigan State AD as "one of the best in the country." In 2012, Hollis was named Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal/Daily athletic director of the year. During Hollis' tenure, annual department revenue jumped from $81 million to $123 million, according to USA Today's financial database.
In a statement issued by Michigan State, Hollis said, "It's been an absolute honor to guide the Athletic Department for the last decade. That being said, today I am announcing my retirement."
"This was not an easy decision for my family, and you should not jump to any conclusions based on our decision -- listen to facts. I am not running away from anything, I am running toward something. Comfort, compassion and understanding for the survivors and our community; togetherness, time and love for my family."
In June 2015, Mark Hollis announced a succession plan for Michigan State wrestling, where long-time assistant coach Roger Chandler would become head coach upon the retirement of Tom Minkel at the end of the 2015-16 season after a quarter-century at the helm. Chandler is now in his second season heading up the Spartan mat program.
In the long history of intercollegiate wrestling at Michigan State, the Spartans can claim 25 individual NCAA champions, 68 Big Ten champions, and eight Big Ten team titles. In addition, Michigan State became the first Big Ten school to win an official NCAA wrestling championship, having won the team title at the 1967 NCAAs.
A replacement for Hollis has not been announced.
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