Paul Griffin, who has served the last six months as director of athletics at Arkansas State University, announced today he will be leaving ASU in mid July.

"I would like to thank President Wyatt and the many ASU fans for their support, because they are working so hard to make the athletic program a success." he said. "I am confident that the ASU athletics program is now headed in the right direction. With the continued support of the university administration and the many Indian fans, the program will achieve its goals."

He indicated he will be announcing his career plans within the next few weeks, but prefers to give no further details at this time.

ASU President Les Wyatt said that while he urged Griffin to stay longer at ASU, he wishes him well in all his endeavors.

"During the months Paul Griffin has been with us at Arkansas State University, he helped shape and focus our athletics program in many positive ways," Dr. Wyatt said. "He recruited and hired several head coaches, and he took key steps to boost our programs in the years ahead. We are very sorry to see Paul leave, but we wish him and his wife all the best."

The university has already begun the search process for his successor, and expects to move rapidly in making a selection.

"We want to identify the right successor as quickly as possible," Wyatt continued. "In fact, we are looking to find someone who can bring the same high caliber of leadership and integrity we saw in Paul Griffin."

To assist the university in that process, Wyatt said he has asked the firm of Bill Carr and Associates, a nationally respected consultant in athletic administration, to assist the search committee.

Arkansas State University offers eight women's and seven men's NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports. In addition, ASU is currently undergoing improvements in athletic facilities including construction of a new football fieldhouse and a track and field complex. ASU's women's soccer program played on a new field in 2001 and opened a new office building this spring.

Griffin will continue to work at ASU until July 15, during which time he will make the appointment of a head baseball coach and plan for a smooth transition to new leadership.

Griffin came to ASU from Georgia Tech, an Atlantic Coast Conference member, and was introduced as the new director of athletics on Dec. 6. He previously had served as a special consultant to the athletic director at Georgia Tech.

While at Georgia Tech, Griffin was involved with the management of the 2002 Men's NCAA Basketball Championship and 2003 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship, both scheduled to be played in the Georgia Dome. He also was a consultant in the planning and implementation of construction projects which included a $9 million baseball stadium and a $70 million expansion and renovation of GTU's Bobby Dodd Football Stadium.

Earlier in his career, Griffin spearheaded South Florida's ascension into Division I-A football and played a key role in the formation of Conference USA while at USF.

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