STATESBORO, Ga. (School Release) - July 27, 2012 - Sam Baker announced today that, after 17 years at the helm of Eagle Athletics, he will be relinquishing his duties as Director of Athletics.  He has notified University President Brooks Keel of his decision.  Dr. Keel has asked him to remain in his capacity until a new Athletics Director can be identified.  A national search will commence immediately.

Quoting Georgia Southern University President Brooks Keel, Ph.D.:

"I appreciate Sam's numerous contributions to the University during his 17 years at Georgia Southern.  He has been a strong supporter of our student athletes not only on the field, but in the classroom.  Georgia Southern will begin a national search immediately and I have asked Sam to continue in his current role until we identify a new Athletics Director.  Once a new AD is in place, Sam will transition to serve as a Special Assistant to the President where he will assist the University with a number of projects including academics and capital construction projects.   With the start of fall semester fast approaching, my goal is to identify the right candidate for Georgia Southern.  There is no set time frame for the search, but given the upcoming start of our fall sports season, we would like to have someone in place in the near future."