Tuskegee University athletic director Patric Simon resigns

PATRIC SIMON
(Courtesy: Tuskegee University Athletics)

 TUSKEGEE, Alabama  --  Tuskegee University announced today that Patric Simon has stepped down as athletics director, effective immediately. Mr. Simon has cited the decision was made due to personal matters.

Ayers and Associates, Inc. a national search firm, has been selected to assist the university with a public search for his successor.

“During his tenure as athletics director, our students have experienced a tremendous amount of success in every aspect of their careers at Tuskegee, on the field of play and in the classroom with improved academic performance, said Gilbert Rochon, president of Tuskegee University.” “And we thank him for his service to our program."

Simon’s contributions to TU Athletics include ten consecutive victories for the Golden Tigers' football team to win TU's 26th outright SIAC Championship, and 29th overall; an 8-0 record versus SIAC opponents, including SIAC Championship, SIAC Coach of the Year for Coach Willie Slater and SIAC Player of the Year, for running back Derrick Washington.

With TU Basketball, the Tigerettes finished the 2012-2013 regular season in the SIAC undefeated; 16-0 to finish 1st in regular season; and Tigers player, Calvin “CJ” Thomas made All-Tournament Team, Preseason and Postseason All-SIAC Teams for 2012-2013.

Simon's successor as athletics director will be named as quickly as possible.

Pending the conduct and successful outcome of the search process, Leon Douglas, Head Coach, Men's Basketball and former NBA player, will serve as the interim AD. He will work closely with the Executive Vice President and Provost, who serves as the NCAA-mandated Faculty Athletic Representative.

COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF SPORTS INFORMATION