March 2, 2007

Based on a recommendation from a search committee comprised of coaches, faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni and the presidents of both booster clubs, President Robert R. Jennings has selected, following an interview of three finalists, Betty Kelly Austin as Alabama A&M University 's Athletic Director. Coach Austin has been serving in the position as interim director since March 2006.

Coach Austin, AAMU's volleyball coach--whose team has been the SWAC Champions for the six of the last seven years--has been employed at the University since 1976. In addition to coaching volleyball, she is also an assistant professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. She has also held the positions of Assistant Athletic Director (1987-1996), Senior Woman Administrator 1996-2006, Compliance Officer (1993-1995), and Coordinator of Women's Athletics (1977-1982). She has also served for five years as the Women's Basketball coach (1977-1982).

Since serving as Interim Director, Coach Austin has strengthened the athletic program's systems and processes, including filing and meeting all NCAA regulations and reporting guidelines. She has personally generated $89,000 for the athletic programs over a ten-month period and perfected a plan to increase use of the Louis Crews Stadium to include special group nights at each of the home football games; tenured an agreement for the International Soccer Tournament to be held on April 24; the State High School Football Tournament; and the Black Arts Festival, to name a few.

A 1974 graduate of Alabama A&M University , Coach Austin received a master's degree in physical education from the University of Michigan in 1975. She is listed in Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges & Universities, was selected as the Southwestern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year six times, All American Football Foundation Woman Administrator of the Year for 2006, and as the ABC Booster Club Coach of the Year. Coach Austin is a member of several professional athletic associations, including the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

"I am pleased and honored to be selected to this position," commented Austin . "I love my alma mater, and I am fully committed to its athletic programs. Working in concert with the coaches and President, I believe we will take our programs to new levels of excellence."