Asbury Hires Perdue As New Athletics Director
Asbury University administration recently announced that Mark Perdue - who has spent the past seven years as athletics director at Spartanburg Methodist College - has been named the Eagle's new athletics director.
"Mark brings to Asbury several years of experience as a director of athletics overseeing all aspects of a program of similar size and scope to our institution," said Asbury Provost Jon Kulaga. "His strong personal commitment to Christ, to the athletic program, and to the academic mission of the institution, will make him a perfect fit for the opportunity at Asbury."
Perdue, who begins work at Asbury on July 1, is filling the role left by Gary Kempf, who spent six years as the Eagle's athletics director and who has accepted the same position at Sterling College in Kansas.
"Knowing the heritage, the Asbury traditions...what a great Christian background Asbury has," said Perdue. "Asbury fits my lifestyle, my dedication to work for the Lord. I love that the school is mission oriented. I'm eager to be a part of that, as well."
Perdue has been working in college athletics since 1989 when he began his professional career as an athletic trainer at his alma mater, Marshall University. After spending some time as a coordinator of athletic training at the University of Charleston (W.Va.), Perdue moved into athletic administration at USC Upstate in 1996 before becoming athletics director at SMC in 2004.
"We look forward to Mark connecting with faculty and students in and out of the classroom - not only as the 'coach's coach' on the court and field, but also in the classroom as an occasional instructor in Physical Education," said Kulaga.
"God has done some good things here to open the door for me," said Perdue. "I'm going to miss the people I've worked with, they are peers and friends, but I can see God's hand at work here. It's the right move for me and my family and we're really excited."
-- article courtesy of Asbury University