In a press conference on the campus of Austin Peay State University Tuesday, officials named Ryan Ivey the Governors' new Athletic Director.
The following release was issued by the Texas A&M University-Commerce Department of Athletics:
A&M-Commerce Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey has resigned and accepted the Director of Athletics position at Austin Peay as announced by A&M-Commerce President Dr. Dan R. Jones Tuesday.
“The future is incredibly bright for Lion Athletics,” Ivey said. “There are great people within the department and institution that will continue the culture of excellence that has been established. The people care deeply about doing things the right way, with integrity, class and style. I will forever be indebted to all of them.”
“I cannot thank my Lion Family enough,” Ivey said. “The support we received during my time at A&M-Commerce was phenomenal. This is a bittersweet moment for myself and my family, as we are excited about the future, but also saddened by leaving behind such a great institution, community and most of all, great people.”
During his tenure with the Lions, Ivey oversaw a complete overhaul in culture within the department. In 2014-15, A&M-Commerce claimed six Lone Star Conference championships – the most in a single-season in school history. He also saw the renovation of the floor in the Field House, the new turf at Memorial Stadium with the largest on-field logo in the world, a new indoor men’s and women’s golf facility, the new James Thrower Academic Center and the newly-minted John Cain Family Softball Field that housed the Lion softball program that just completed its inaugural season in 2015.
“Ryan Ivey has been an extraordinarily effective Director of Athletics at A&M-Commerce, and is well deserving of the great opportunity that has been afforded him,” Jones said. “He has been the driving force behind realizing the tremendous potential in Lion Athletics and has established the momentum necessary to build a winning tradition. We’re grateful for all that he has done and wish him the very best in his next endeavor.”
“I am extremely proud of the advances we have been able to make over the last two and half years,” Ivey added. “When I arrived, the potential of A&M-Commerce as a Lone Star Conference and Division II force was there. We just need to wake the giant! I believe we have been able to do that and begin the transformation process of Lion Athletics. Something I am extremely proud to have achieved.”
Jones and A&M-Commerce will begin a national search for the next Director of Athletics immediately. Current Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs, Josh Jorgensen, has been named interim Director of Athletics.
“We are committed to finding an individual who can leverage Ryan’s successes to build a nationally recognized program,” Jones added.
