By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
Dave Blank will leave his position as Elon’s athletics director at the end of the academic year after 17 years in the position.
The announcement Wednesday from the university said that Blank will assist with the transition for his successor and continue working on assignments as special assistant to the president.
Blank was named Elon’s 20th athletics director in the spring of 2006 and led the university’s move from the Southern Conference to the Colonial Athletic Association in 2014-15.
“Elon is a model of what intercollegiate athletics should be, and I have been honored to work with everyone associated with the Phoenix,” Blank said in a statement from the school. “In particular, I want to thank President Connie Book and President Emeritus Leo Lambert for their enthusiastic support and encouragement during my time as Elon’s Director of Athletics.”
A long list of facilities enhancements on campus have occurred under Blank’s watch. That includes the opening of the multi-use Schar Center in 2018. The building houses the university’s basketball and volleyball teams.
A women’s lacrosse program at Elon was started during Blank’s time overseeing the athletics department.
Blank has served on numerous committees, including the NCAA Division I baseball committee.
A former men’s basketball coach at Lock Haven, he spent time as athletics director at Coastal Carolina and Drake before taking the Elon position.
Blank followed Alan White as Elon’s athletics director. White had more than 35 years of service to Elon, including nearly 27 years as AD.
A search committee charged with recruiting Blank’s replacement will have the goal of securing a new AD by early summer, according to the university.
Photos compliments of Elon University & Elon Athletics
