Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.-A one-year contract extension for Mississippi State University's athletic director, approved today [Feb. 14] by the Board of Trustees, state Institutions of Higher Learning, will allow the university to conduct an in-depth search for a successor to veteran AD Larry Templeton, said Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong, MSU president.
"I've asked Larry to stay on at MSU until 2008, providing continuity in our Division I programs," he said, adding that Templeton has made major contributions during his 20-year tenure as athletics director.
"Larry Templeton has committed himself to Mississippi State for most of his adult life, and we all owe him thanks for what he's done," Foglesong said Wednesday.
He continued: "He's done an incredible job of moving athletics in the Great Bulldog Nation forward, especially given the limited budget he has had to work with."
In addition, Foglesong said, "Larry has also continued to piece together significant donations that will allow us to commit to some major initiatives within the next year."
In the upcoming year, Foglesong said he would rely on Templeton for his guidance and counsel. "His depth of knowledge will help me better understand NCAA and SEC rules, proposals and issues-and I'll count on that help," he said.
Templeton currently is chair of the Southeastern Conference athletic directors, as well as chairing the NCAA's baseball committee.
A 1969 MSU graduate, Templeton has served since 1987 as director of athletics. He previously had worked in sports information and had held positions as a golf coach, athletics business manager and director for administration.