Outgoing AD Ward Thankful For 13 Years As A Racer

Allen Ward, along with SWA, Velvet Milkman, and MSU’s NCAA Faculty Representative, Dr. Dave Gesler, accepted the 2018 OVC Institutional Sportsmanship Award at the conference’s annual meeting in June in Nashville, Tennessee. Milkman will be taking over as Interim Director of Athletics at MSU.

Photo by: Ohio Valley Conference

7/16/2018 1:10:00 PM | General

The intercollegiate sports program at Murray State University saw its leader of 13 years, Allen Ward, step down from his post as director of athletics on July 13 to take the same position at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas.

Ward looks back on his tenure at Murray State with fondness.

"I will forever be grateful to Murray State University for the privilege it has been to serve as their Director of Athletics," Ward said. "It's been a remarkable 13 years that has afforded many memories that I will always cherish. Murray State is a special place to me and always will be."

Ward came to Murray State in March of 2005 after 14 years of service at the University of North Texas.

He surely and steadily guided the Racers into one of the model programs in the Ohio Valley Conference and became one of the league's top influencers. His approach emphasized the importance of the student-athlete through high standards for academics, athletic performance and facilities. He also engaged and recruited Racer Nation to be a big part of what was going.

In addition to those areas of excellence, Ward successfully connected the athletics department with the many moving parts of the university community. He served four full-time Murray State Presidents, including current president Dr. Bob Davies.

"I want to personally thank Dr. Davies for his friendship, support and consummate leadership. Serving as a member of his leadership team has been an honor and I owe him, and first lady Mrs. Davies, my deepest gratitude. Success in athletics starts at the top and the Racers are fortunate to have President Davies leading Murray State."

"I want to thank my coaches and staff," Ward added. "They're family to me and I love them all. The success we've experienced is due to their hard work and dedication. I've been blessed by the finest staff an AD could ever hope to have. They will forever hold a special place in my heart and I will always be indebted to them for their loyalty, support and friendship."

"And finally, to Racer Nation, your passion is unequaled and your support unconditional," said Ward. "It's been a pleasure to serve you the past 13 years. Thank you for entrusting your athletic program to me. My greatest hope is that you're proud of the program, have enjoyed its success, and believe in its future. I will forever be grateful for your support and friendship."

Having been introduced at ACU on Monday, Ward is coming back to Murray State and working until his final day on July 27. Interim AD Velvet Milkman, who also serves as MSU's Senior Woman Administrator and women's golf head coach, takes over the office on August 1.

Ward has the third-longest tenure of the eight full-time athletics directors in Murray State history. Only Roy Stewart (1940-66) who served 24 years and Carlisle Cutchin (1925-40) who served for 15 years, held the job longer than Ward's 13 years.