Five Division I institutions experienced AD turnover in September, with the biggest change coming when Vanderbilt’s David Williams announced plans to step down. Of the five institutions to experience AD turnover in September, three schools welcomed new athletic directors.
Arkansas Pine Bluff
On September 5, Arkansas Pine Bluff announced the hiring of Melvin Hines as the school’s next athletic director. Before coming to UAPB, Hines was Athletics Director at Alabama State University.
Vanderbilt
David Williams announced his intention step down from his role as Vanderbilt’s athletics and as vice chancellor. Williams will stay on as athletic director and vice chancellor until his replacement is hired, then become a full-time law professor. He also is establishing a new Sports, Law & Society program at Vanderbilt Law School.
Longwood
The Lancers became the third institution to experience AD turnover in September when Troy Austin announced plans to resign. Austin will return to his alma mater Duke where he will become the Blue Devils senior associate athletics director for internal operations. Austin who oversaw Longwood’s transition to Division I will remain at Longwood through the middle of October. Michelle Meadows Shular will take over on an interim basis after Austin’s departure.
Texas A&M Corpus Christi
The Islanders have turned to former VCU Deputy Director of Athletics, Jonathan Palumbo, to lead the Texas A&M Corpus Christi athletic department. While at VCU, Palumbo’s responsibilities included overseeing the day-to-day operations of the athletics department, including budget and business operations, human resources, facilities and event operations, compliance, sports medicine, and strength and conditioning.
St. John’s
Longtime Duke Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer, Mike Cragg, was named St. John’s new athletic director by University President Bobby Gempesaw on September 27. Cragg comes to St. John’s after spending more than 30 years at Duke. He will officially be introduced as the new Red Storm athletic director on October 2.