McLean departs for FSU Athletics Department; Little serves as ECSU Interim Athletics Director

McLean departs for FSU Athletics Department; Little serves as Interim Athletics Director

December 15, 2006
 
Dr. Edward McLean has been named the Athletics Director at Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC. He formerly served as Athletics Director at Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC, from 1993 to 2006.  Both institutions are members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA) and the NCAA Division II. 
 

Dr. Edward McLean

On December 14, the Elizabeth City State Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Mr. Thurlis J. Little as Interim Director of (ECSU) Athletics to become effective immediately. Mr. Little has 32 years of experience at ECSU. In the past he served as an assistant professor, football coach, NCAA Compliance Officer, Assistant Athletic Director, Principal Director for NYSP (National Youth Sports Program) and Chair of the Health and P E Department.
 
During Dr. McLean's tenure at ECSU, he strengthened the athletics program increasing the varsity sports offered from 8 to 11. Several of the teams have earned championship status, most recently being the football team that had its best year in 35 years. The 2006 Vikings football team had a 9-3 overall record and earned the CIAA Eastern Division Championship title. In recent years, the men's baseball team and women's softball team have been conference champions as well. The basketball teams have been successful as well. The women's basketball team played in the final game at the renowned CIAA Tournament in 2005 and played in the semi-finals in 2006. The men's basketball team also reached the semi-finals round at the 2006 CIAA Tournament.
 
Equally important, under Dr. McLean's leadership, is the recognition ECSU has received for its student-athlete graduation rate. ECSU student-athletes have maintained a graduate rate consistently in the top three in the UNC system and, in 2002 and 2003, ECSU was ranked in the top 10 nationwide among NCAA Division II colleges and universities. He has also been recognized for his leadership twice being honored as the CIAA Athletic Director of the Year in 1997 and 2005.
 
Moving on to Fayetteville State University was a major decision for Dr. McLean and one he views as a positive, growth opportunity at this stage of his career.
 
"I am excited about the opportunity to serve Fayetteville State University, an institution that is in both the UNC system and the CIAA conference. All three of these organizations have great reputations," said Dr. McLean. "I am familiar with how they operate and know that I can bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to Fayetteville State, leveraging their programs to higher heights."
 
"My 13 years at Elizabeth City State University have allowed me to build and develop that athletics program and my expertise in leading it," Dr. McLean continued. "I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to having served the ECSU Vikings and wish them continued success."
 
Dr. McLean is a U.S. Army veteran.  In addition, he is a two-time graduate of North Carolina Central University where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in Physical Education. He also attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he earned his doctorate and focused his studies on motor behavior and sports psychology. Dr. McLean is married to Marsha Allen McLean and together they have three adult sons.