ORANGEBURG, S.C. -  SC State University has formally begun its search for a new athletics director.  University President Thomas J. Elzey announced the formation of a six-member search committee charged with conducting the search to fill the position recently vacated by longtime AD Charlene Johnson, who now leads fundraising efforts to support athletics programs.

"It is crucial that our search for the ideal candidate remains focused on an all-around professional who is committed to developing scholastic leaders as well as superior athletes through our various athletics programs," said President Elzey.  "I am grateful to members of the search team who are devoting their time and expertise to this process," Elzey said.

The search committee is working under an aggressive timeline on which they will pare down a list of finalists from a pool of applications received via the university's Human Resources online employment system.  According to Elzey, the committee hopes to recommend a panel of top candidates to the president for consideration in May.  Those finalists will then be interviewed by the president.

"If there is a successful candidate from the pool of finalists, we should name a new athletics director by early June," said Elzey.

While the search is in progress, Dr. Octavio Miro has been named interim athletics director.  Miro currently serves as the senior associate athletics director.  A 27-year employee of the university, Miro will have oversight of all aspects of the athletics division, including operations and facilities, budget management, recruitment, fundraising and compliance.  He will also work closely with sports coaches, staff and administrators to ensure that student athletes are well engaged and receive a quality academic experience while they take part in organized college athletics.