May 14, 2007

PENSACOLA, Fla. - A new era in West Florida athletics is set to begin. The University of West Florida named Todd Davis as its new athletic director on Monday. Davis is the fifth athletic director in the history of UWF.

Davis will follow Richard Berg, who will retire after 19 seasons at the helm of West Florida athletics. Davis arrives in Pensacola from Albany, Ga. where he served as athletic director and facilities manager at Darton College since 2004. Darton is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

"This is such a great opportunity. Everything that I've learned about the University of West Florida is everything that I've ever wanted to be part of," explained Davis. "I'm confident that I understand what needs to be done thanks to what Richard [Berg] has accomplished."

Davis led an athletic department consisting of 10 varsity sports that competed in the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association. He was instrumental in creating the fundraising and marketing activities for Darton athletics. Davis was also responsible for overseeing the on campus physical education and wellness facility. Darton won the GJCAA Trophy Cup in 2005-06 as the best two-year athletic program in the state.

Prior to Darton, Davis was the athletic director/associate vice president for student affairs at Carl Albert State College in Poteau, Okla. for eight years. He was named the Carl Albert State College Staff Person of the Year in 1996-97 and 1998-99. Davis's intercollegiate athletic administration experience includes stints with Western Kentucky University as coordinator of marketing promotions. He was also the assistant director of marketing and promotions at the University of Oklahoma for nearly five years. Davis earned his bachelor's degree in education and master's degree in sports administration at the University of Oklahoma.

"I believe Todd [Davis] is a great fit for UWF. He is very passionate about sports, and he understands the value of the student-athlete," said UWF Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Deborah Ford. "He has tremendous ideas on how to promote and market UWF athletics. I think he's well positioned to lead an NCAA Division II program."

"The selection committee has done an outstanding job in selecting Todd Davis as UWF's next athletic director," said Berg. "With over 150 applications, it was not an easy task. I know he'll do a great job."