Dr. Darryl A. Pope Named Fort Valley State Director of Athletics

Dr. DARRYL A. POPE

FORT VALLEY, Georgia -- Following a nationwide search, Fort Valley State University President Paul Jones announces the appointment of Dr. Darryl A. Pope as the university's director of athletics. Pope will join FVSU from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where he has served as athletics director since March 2014.

In announcing Pope's hiring, President Jones expressed confidence that FVSU's athletics teams will reach new heights in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and National Collegiate Athletics Association competitions.

"I'm excited about having someone with his extensive background and experience join the Wildcat family. I'm looking forward to his leadership during this exciting time in our university's history," said Jones.

With more than 20 years' experience, Pope has extensive knowledge in leadership and management in intercollegiate sports. His accomplishments include: developing compliance and fundraising programs, writing and managing strategic plans for a progressive and growing athletic program, oversight of facilities and athletic budgets, external relations and game-day management. He also served on the NCAA Peer Review Program, from 2000 to 2011, evaluating Division I institutions for compliance with NCAA guiding principles.

"I'm looking forward to working with the staff and administration at Fort Valley State University. FVSU has potential to make some great strides in athletics that will have a positive impact on the school and community. I enjoy moving programs forward and making a positive difference. I thank Dr. Jones for the opportunity and know that together we are going to do some great things at FVSU," stated Pope.

At FVSU, Pope will oversee 11 intercollegiate sports programs, including football, men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, track and cross country, tennis and softball.

Prior to his 2014 arrival at Lincoln, Pope spent two years as director of athletics and physical activity at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Ill. He also worked in the Department of Athletics at Kennesaw State University and served as associate athletics director for internal affairs. He earned his bachelor's degree in communication management, with a minor in business administration from Howard University, a master's degree in sport administration from Grambling State University in Louisiana, and a doctoral degree in education in sports management and leisure studies from Temple University in Pennsylvania.

Tentatively, Pope begins Sept. 12, 2016.

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS