Potts announces resignation as Athletic Director
Mark McGee |
Dr. Potts has accepted the position of Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Dr. Potts served as Associate Dean of the Pepperdine University School of Law prior to beginning his service at Lipscomb in January of 2000. Dr. Potts also earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Pepperdine.
"I lack the ability to adequately express my feelings regarding my time here with Lipscomb athletics," said Dr. Potts. "I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to play a role in the development of the NCAA Division I athletics program here.
"I would like to thank former President Dr. Steve Flatt, former Executive Vice-President Dr. Carl McKelvey and current President, Dr. Randy Lowry, for giving me the chance to pursue my passions here at Lipscomb University. I also wish to express my heartfelt appreciation and genuine love to all of the athletics staff and coaches for their support and encouragement. My life has been enriched because of the relationships with such an extraordinary group of people and I will cherish those relationships forever.
"While it is difficult to leave Lipscomb, I am so very excited about the opportunity to return to Pepperdine University," said Dr. Potts. "I am grateful for and sincerely appreciate the confidence that the Pepperdine President, Dr. Andrew Benton, and the Athletic Director, Dr. John Watson, have expressed in my ability to make a contribution to the athletics program there."
Dr. Potts took over as Lipscomb's Director of Athletics as the school was making the transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division I. He successfully guided the athletics department through four years of NCAA Division I provisional membership. Lipscomb received active membership status in September 2003.
Dr. Potts also was responsible for effectively leading the institution through the 18-month NCAA Athletic Certification process that was completed in 2005.
"Lipscomb University has been fortunate to benefit from Steve Potts' outstanding leadership the past eight and a half years," said President L. Randolph Lowry. "He led the university's successful transition into NCAA Division I and was key in attracting the 2008 and 2009 Atlantic Sun Conference Basketball Championships to Allen Arena - the first combined men's and women's basketball championships in conference history. Through his leadership, he has attracted coaches and staff that carry out our dedication to excellence on the court and in the classroom. He will be greatly missed at Lipscomb University."
In October 2001, Dr. Potts orchestrated Lipscomb's acceptance as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. Lipscomb's teams started competing in the conference in the fall of 2003.
Under Dr. Potts' guidance, the Lipscomb athletics program has quickly made an impact in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
In the first year of Atlantic Sun competition the Lipscomb women's basketball team tied for the regular season championship, won the conference tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
The men's basketball team tied for the regular season championship in 2006, but lost in the conference tournament finals to cross-town rival Belmont University. They participated in the National Invitational Postseason Tournament.
In 2007, the women's volleyball team won the conference tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
Lipscomb University served as the host school for the 2007 Atlantic Sun Conference Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships. The school also hosted the 2008 General Shale Brick Atlantic Sun Conference Basketball Championships, the first combined men's and women's basketball championships in conference history.
There also have been several major improvements to the athletics facilities under his tenure as Director of Athletics.
A 4,000 square-foot weight room opened in January 2001.
The multi-purpose, 5,000 seat, Allen Arena, which houses the Lipscomb University Athletics Department, was completed in October 2001.
The installation of lights, a covered batting cage, press box renovations and enhancements to the playing surface are some of the highlights of the improvements made to Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium, the home of Bison baseball.
Draper Diamond, the home of the Lady Bison softball program, opened in March 2006.
Improvements to the soccer complex include new bench areas for the both teams and fencing around the facility.
New tennis courts are currently under construction in conjunction with a two-level parking garage.
Dr. Potts and his wife, Jaimie, have two sons, Tyler and Tanner.