Ole Miss plans to announce Keith Carter as the school’s new athletic director on Friday afternoon.
Carter has served in an interim role since May 27 after Ross Bjork left Ole Miss to take the same position at Texas A&M. Carter has worked for the athletics department since 20019 and has served as the executive director for the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation since June 2012. He is a former basketball standout for the Rebels who played under coach Rob Evans from 1996-99. Carter was named All-American his senior season.
As executive director, Cater help the Foundation experienced its four highest years for donations, including a record $45.6 million in cash contributions in 2015-16. During his tenure, commitments to the Forward Together capital campaign increased from $62 million to $182 million in cash and pledges toward its goal of $200 million. Among the major gifts was a $25 million gift from Jerry “Doc” Hollingsworth, which included $10 million in cash, the largest gift in the history of the Ole Miss athletics department by a single individual or organization. Carter is also responsible for at least 10 other seven-figure gifts. He has worked with executive level staff to build the vision for facilities growth through the Forward Together campaign, which included plans for the $96.5 million Pavilion at Ole Miss.
“This search was committed to finding the right leader who possesses the integrity and character needed to lead Ole Miss Athletics, a strong and proven record of success and excellent management and interpersonal skills,” chancellor Glenn Boyce said. ” We were looking for someone who wants to be at Ole Miss, and who believes all of our programs can compete and win at every level. Keith Carter is absolutely the best person to lead Ole Miss Athletics to a new era of success.”
A formal announcement is expected at 1 P.M.
