I am pleased to announce that Dr. Donald Reed, Senior Associate Athletic Director and Executive Team member at the University at Buffalo, has accepted our offer to be the next Director of Athletics at Prairie View A&M University, effective July 15, 2020. The University at Buffalo is the flagship campus of the State University of New York. This appointment comes following a national search led by Vice President of Student Affairs, Tim Sams, and facilitated by Spelman Johnson Search Firm. The committee reviewed many applications for the position and submitted a list of finalists to me from which Reed was selected.
Reed has a wide range of experiences in strategic planning, budget management, policy-making, and athletics leadership. In addition, he has in-depth knowledge of NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) and Federal Graduation Rate (FGR) guidelines and best practices. In that regard, at Buffalo, he has achieved a record 13 consecutive semesters of 97 % of teams achieving a GPA above 3.0. Reed is also actively involved in the NCAA Legislative review process.
Reed holds a Ph.D. in Educational Management and Development from New Mexico State University, a Master of Science degree in Education and Sport Administration from the University of North Texas, and a B.B.A in Marketing from the University of North Texas. He has previously served as Associate Athletic Director at Iowa State and Managing Director of Developmental Programs at Arizona State University. Having also served as adjunct faculty at Buffalo and Iowa State University, he is well aware of the academic challenges that athletes can face.
Dr. Timothy Sams, Vice President for Student Affairs, said, “Among a competitive field of candidates, Dr. Reed impressed the Search Committee with his record of accomplishments, breadth of experience, commitment to student athletes, and managerial acumen. These attributes will greatly benefit our athletics program.”
As Athletic Director, Reed will report to the President and serve as a member of the President’s Executive Leadership Team. He will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, fiscal affairs, staffing, fundraising and promotions, athletics facilities, intercollegiate athletics regulatory compliance, and general operations, along with the overall culture and management of the athletics department. He will also provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the 18-sport National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I FCS intercollegiate athletics program, supervise a full and part-time staff, and manage a $17 million operating budget.
Reed will work closely with multiple internal and external constituencies to advance PVAMU’s strategic objectives and goals, representing the university to the NCAA and the Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Following Fred Washington’s resignation in August 2019, PVAMU alumna and Associate Athletic Director Alicia Pete stepped in as interim Athletic Director and has ably led the department for the past eleven months. I am grateful for her willingness to step into the Interim Director role and her dedication to PVAMU and the athletic program.
Reed will be transitioning from his position at the University at Buffalo over the coming weeks and is expected to be on campus the second week in July. Please welcome him to Prairie View and wish him a successful tenure in his position as Athletic Director at PVAMU.
-Ruth J. Simmons, President