"Careful thought went into my decision," said McLean. "Retirement is an option that allows me to enjoy the next phase of my life after over 30 years in athletics management. I am looking forward to exhale, reflect, and perhaps use my knowledge and expertise at the next level. As many people know, I will likely play a few more rounds of golf too," added McLean with a smile.
During his time at FSU, the Broncos won 13 CIAA conference championships--football (2009), women's basketball (2010), golf (2007, 2009, 2012), volleyball (2007, 2013, 2014), bowling (2007, 2008, 2011, 2012), and women's tennis (2007). Four programs (football, women's basketball, volleyball twice and golf six times) have participated in NCAA regional playoff games.
Along with winning on the courts and fields, McLean has focused on student-athletes winning in the classroom as well. At FSU, he established a Student-Athlete Academic Center to provide academic tutors with mandated study halls and an athletic academic advisor. His student-athletes average graduation rate at FSU is over 60%.
McLeanenhanced facilities at FSU as one of his first initiatives. Building upon the already-impressive facilities, he guided renovations of the Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium including the addition of a video jumbotron scoreboard, turf, and upgrading the football locker room and press box. Several facility renovations were also made to the Felton J. Capel Arena. Fayetteville State, because of its teams and facilities, has seen an increase in television exposure for football and basketball games during McLean's tenure.
In 2007,he established the 1,000 Broncos Annual Giving Campaign, now known as the Broncos Athletic Fund. Through this effort, the fund generates scholarships for deserving student-athletes. During the last 8 years, the campaign has grown offering several additional full scholarships annually. In 2009, he obtained several long-term sponsors for the video scoreboard and electronic marquis generating approximately $100,000 annually.
McLean also co-founded the "Down East Viking Football Classic" in 1997 when at Elizabeth City State University, which is now in its 18th year, and the "Two Rivers Football Classic" in 2008 between Fayetteville State and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke now in its 6th year. These two promotional games were the result of a successful model of collaboration among the competing institutions, local government, public schools, and business and industry.
With a career that spans more than 30 years of service in athletics management, his dedication has proven him to be an effective leader and administrator with an unblemished history. He has built a legacy of integrity and high standards for his programs relative to coaching, academic performance, and compliance.
McLean contributed to athletics regionally and nationally as well. In the last decade, he served on the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) board from 2000-2009, and was elevated to College Division District 3 representative on the Executive Committee for NACDA from 2009-2013. District 3 is comprised of Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Within the NCAA Division II and CIAA Conference, he served as Chairperson for both the NCAA National Football Committee Division II (1998-2002) and the NCAA Southern Regional Advisory Football Committee (1994-1998). He also served as CIAA Conference President twice (2004-2006 and 2012-2014) and held the offices of CIAA Athletics Director Association President and Secretary, and CIAA Vice President at conference and division levels.
Last year, he garnered honors from his peers and the conference office for his 20 years of outstanding service, receiving the special CIAA Jeanette E. Lee Award (2014). McLean has also been honored twice as the CIAA Athletic Director of the Year in 1996-1997 and 2004-2005.
"I am grateful to Dr. McLean for his years of service not only to Fayetteville State University, but also the CIAA," said FSU Chancellor James Anderson. "During his tenure as an Athletic Director, he has earned the admiration and respect of colleagues, coaches, and the student athletes with whom he worked. The entire Fayetteville State University family wishes him well in his retirement."
Prior to joining Fayetteville State and Elizabeth City State, both institutions in the CIAA and UNC system, McLeanheld leadership positions at Clark-Atlanta University in Atlanta as the Director of Athletics and Chair of the Physical Education Department.
McLean obtained his doctorate from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he conducted scholarly research in motor behavior and sports psychology. He also received both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Physical Education and Sociology of Sports at North Carolina Central University. In addition to education, McLean remained geared towards professional development by completing the 3-year, 3-level NACDA Management/Leadership Institute program.
He will enjoy his retirement with his wife, Dr. Marsha McLean, and their three sons and grandchildren.
COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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