S.C. State Athlletics Director Resigns; Named AD at Grambling

PAUL BRYANT
Courtesy: S.C. State Athletics

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- South Carolina State University's Director of Athletics, Paul Bryant, announced today that he will resign from his position on Dec. 15, 2016.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have had at SC State University," Bryant said. "I want to thank the administration and athletic staff for their support and for believing in my vision to build a strong athletics program that is committed to the success of our student-athletes.

SC State President James Clark extends best wishes to Bryant, saying, "I thank Paul Bryant for his service to SC State University, and I wish his family continued success as he pursues this significant opportunity presented to him."

Bryant, who has led the SC State Athletics Department since August 2014, was named Director of Athletics at Grambling State University, effective Jan. 1, 2017. SC State's interim athletics director will be announced at a later date.

In Bryant's first two years at the helm at SC State, the athletics department made several positive strides. In less than 24 months, Bryant increased athletic donations by over 200 percent, enhanced season and single-game ticket sales and game attendance and improved alumni participation. Additionally, he created the Athletic Director's Honor Roll to which 132 student-athletes were named between 2014 and 2016.

Under Bryant in 2014-15, the SC State football team claimed a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship title and the men's tennis team represented the MEAC in the first round of the NCAA Division I Tennis Championship.

The following year, Bryant created the Kennel Club, a VIP tailgating membership club that provided SC State fans with a first-class tailgating experience. Other accomplishments of the 2015-16 season included winning the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Athletic Director's Association (ADA) Most Improved APR Award, winning the 2016 Men's and Women's MEAC Tennis Championships and having the men's basketball team finish as the runner-up in the 2016 MEAC Basketball Tournament. Bryant was also one of 15 recipients of the 2015-16 FCS ADA Stipend Award, which is granted to administrators from across the country to attend the annual NACDA and Affiliates Tournament.

Karen M. Carty, Director of Athletic Marketing
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS