BATON ROUGE — LSU Athletics has announced a significant change: Athletic Director Scott Woodward is no longer with the program, effective immediately. This decision was made public on Thursday.
Woodward, a Baton Rouge native and LSU graduate, took the helm as Athletic Director in April 2019. During his time, he saw many successes, which were acknowledged by Scott Ballard, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. Ballard expressed gratitude, saying, “We thank Scott for the last six years. We wish him the best as we focus on moving LSU athletics forward.”
In the meantime, Verge Ausberry, the Executive Deputy Athletic Director, will step in as Interim Director. Ausberry, who has deep roots in LSU as a former standout linebacker and a dedicated member of the Tigers’ administration, is well-prepared for this role.
Ausberry joined LSU over 30 years ago and has tackled various roles, from compliance to fundraising. His experience includes serving as Executive Deputy Athletic Director and aiding the Office of the President with external relations. With his extensive background, he aims to maintain the high standards of excellence associated with LSU athletics.
“Verge has devoted his life to improving this department and Louisiana,” said John Carmouche, Chair of the Board Athletics Committee. “He embodies championship excellence and is the right choice to lead us now.”
Ausberry shared his gratitude, stating, “It’s an honor to serve in this role. LSU has shaped my life, and I’m committed to moving our athletic department forward.” He emphasized the importance of hiring an exceptional football coach to uphold LSU’s standards.
His ties to LSU are personal too; Ausberry has been married for 24 years and has two sons who are Division I football players, further cementing his connection to the school’s athletic legacy.
Historically, LSU has been a breeding ground for athletic talent and coaching success. The university aims to continue this tradition as it navigates this leadership transition. As college sports evolve, maintaining a competitive edge will be crucial. For instance, a recent survey by the NCAA found that over 60% of college athletes express the importance of strong leadership and support systems in their athletic programs.
With Ausberry at the helm, LSU is looking to adapt and thrive in this highly competitive environment. The focus will likely be on building a cohesive team that not only excels in sports but also supports student-athletes academically and personally.
As the university moves forward, conversations on social media reflect a mix of excitement and apprehension among fans. The community is eager to see who will fill the vacant head football coach position and how the transition will affect LSU’s performance in upcoming seasons.
In summary, LSU finds itself at a pivotal moment, with leadership changing hands as it strives to maintain its prestigious status in collegiate athletics.
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