Prairie View A&M President George C. Wright announced Wednesday that Fred Washington, who serves as vice president auxiliary services as well as athletic director, will step down from the athletic director post to focus on auxiliary operations. He will remain a member of the University’s executive staff.
“It has been my distinct privilege and honor to have served as athletic director for an institution filled with athletes who perform well on and off the field. I cannot express fully how much I have appreciated the opportunity to be a part of this great sports tradition and how much I have learned from the coaches, staff and students,” Washington said.
According to Wright, the search for the University’s next athletic director will begin immediately. The search will accept qualified candidates from across the country that are experienced and able to lead the program while adhering to National Collegiate Athletic Association, Southwestern Athletic Conference and University regulations.
“I commend Fred Washington for his leadership and vision in directing our athletic program. Indeed we have celebrated many accomplishments during his tenure,” Wright said. “We are cultivating our legacy as a school that embodies the spirit of champions. This is due in no small part to Mr. Washington’s leadership and tenacity. We greatly appreciate his efforts.”
Washington became athletic director in 2009 after serving in the role as interim for 11 months. During his tenure the department garnered 11 championships including a football championship in 2009, the first in 45 years. The overall success continued and in 2012 Southwestern Athletic Conference Championships by the baseball, women’s basketball and bowling teams led to Prairie View sweeping the season ending awards for 2011-12. The Panthers captured the Sadie Magee/Barbara Jacket Award, the C.D. Henry Award, and the James Frank Award which were presented at the spring meetings en route to claiming the overall Commissioner’s Cup.
The women’s basketball team defeated Mississippi Valley 100-87 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship to earn their third-consecutive SWAC Conference Championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. They will play number one seed Baylor on Sunday.
Courtesy: PVAMU Sports Information
