Alcorn State announced the hiring of Derek Horne as the university’s new athletic director on Friday.
Horne previously served as director of athletics at Florida A&M from 2010 to 2013. Prior to his time at FAMU, Horne worked at his alma mater, Ole Miss, for 15 years in its athletics administration department.
(ASU) President Rankins stressed the importance of identifying final candidates who would balance academic and athletic success—be a champion for the student athlete.
“Horne’s background and accomplishments as an athletic director also demonstrates his strong leadership abilities and his commitment to develop leaders in-and-out of the classroom,” said President Rankins.
For Horne, returning to Mississippi is like coming home and being named Alcorn’s new intercollegiate athletic director is an opportunity he couldn’t resist.
“I am grateful to the search committee and President Rankins for entrusting me with this great honor,” said Horne. “I will give you my best and expect the same in return. Our focus will be working together to do what is best for Alcorn.”
Search committee member Dr. John Walls Jr. of Vicksburg said he is excited about the future of Alcorn’s athletics program under the direction of Horne.
“His reputation as a leader and motivator coupled with his strategic planning and fundraising abilities made him stand out,” said Dr. Walls.
Horne will report to Alcorn later this month and begin to provide administrative direction and oversight for Alcorn’s 17-sport athletic programs and activities and supervise the control and compliance with applicable National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and University rules and regulations governing all facets of intercollegiate athletics.
Horne is a native of Quitman, Ga.
