Florida A&M University Athletic Director Milton Overton
Florida A&M University Athletic Director Milton Overton has resigned to take the A.D. job at Kennesaw State University.
FAMU Forward announced Overton’s departure and new role at Kennesaw State Tuesday.
Overton was hired by former FAMU President Elmira Mangum, and was in charge of 16 sports programs while at the university. Overton came into a situation where the sports department was struggling academically and fought to get the Rattlers football team off of disciplinary probation.
Interim President Larry Robinson released a statement on Overton’s departure Tuesday afternoon.
“We are highly appreciative of the work AD Overton has done during his tenure at FAMU and wish him well in his future endeavors.” He also added “This opportunity moves him closer to his family.”
In Overton’s absence, Robinson named FAMU graduate and former football player John Eason as the interim athletic director. He retired at the end of 2015 from the University of Georgia as its director of player development, according to the press release.
“Mr. Eason is well-equipped to help keep our program moving forward,” said Robinson, who announced that he would immediately launch a national search for Overton’s permanent replacement, wrote FAMU Forward.
While at Florida A&M Overton raised over $750,000 in his champions campaign initiative. In addition, FAMU boosted season records for ticket sales in the two and half years that Overton was running the show.
Just one week ago Overton and FAMU announced plans for a brand new $ 9 million stadium.
Overton is leaving FAMU for a bigger university, as Kennesaw University hosts 35,000 students. He will be joining a program that just began in 2015, but has all the support and resources needed to be competitive even early on.
In a statement by Overton made to The Tallahassee Democrat, he said that he would be leaving FAMU with a heavy heart, but that he was sure the torch for success, as well plans for a new stadium will carry on.
According to a Kennesaw State athletics article, their program had its inaugural football season in 2015, joining the big south conference in Division I Football Championship Series.
For now, Robinson will be on the lookout for an A.D. that can continue the success that Overton started, and while it is very possible, it will be no easy feat.