STANLEY NEW FVSU AD:

Fort Valley State has named Sean Stanley as its interim director of athletics, effective immediately. Stanley, 41, who joined FVSU in July as special assistant to the vice president for student affairs, replaces Deondri Clark, who resigned the position Friday in order to concentrate on his duties as head football coach. A national search will be launched for a new director.

"I express our deep appreciation to Head Coach Deondri Clark for his service as the interim athletics director," said Dr. Terrance D. Smith, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. "He stepped in to help us despite his many other obligations, and we benefited tremendously as a result."

Smith noted that the Department of Athletics currently is undergoing reorganization to maximize effectiveness and efficiency.

"Mr. Stanley brings just the skills needed right now to enable our plans to go forward," Smith said. "We look ahead to expanding our athletic program offerings and to enhancing our facilities accordingly."

Stanley currently oversees FVSU's housing, residential life, and judicial affairs departments. "This transition should go smoothly and I look forward to leading the department's efforts in shaping the lives of our athletes, plus winning games and recruiting prospective students. We'll carry on Coach Clark's work to get this department in tip-top shape for the incoming athletic director."

RATCLIFFE LEAVES KSU:

Kentucky State Athletics Director Derita Ratcliffe has resigned effective the end of September to take a new post at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Calling the opportunity one she could not turn down, Ratcliffe has accepted the position of senior associate athletics director and senior woman administrator at UAB. She will begin work October 1.

Ratcliffe came to KSU as athletics director in January 2005. Previously she was an associate athletics director at Eastern Kentucky. She also did a five-year stint at Virginia Tech, where she ultimately served as assistant athletics director of student life.

President Mary Evans Sias said, "Though I hate to see her leave, I know she will do well at UAB. I have watched the athletics program at KSU grow as I have watched Ms. Ratcliffe grow as an administrator. The University of Alabama Birmingham's gain will certainly be KSU's loss.

"She has recruited coaches who have had success in both women's and men's sports. She spearheaded our return this year to the Gateway Football Classic in St. Louis, where KSU will play Stillman College on September 27," Sias continued.

"I have enjoyed my time at KSU. I thought it would be a little bit longer, however," Ratcliffe said referring to her tenure at the university. "I love the students. It's been an invaluable experience."

© 2008 Azeez Communications, Inc.

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