Derek Horne, Athletic Director for the Alcorn State University (ASU) Braves since 2014, abruptly resigned on September 30th. No reason for the resignation, which was effective immediately, was given.
Horne’s career at Alcorn was nothing short of exceptional. Under his tutelage, the Braves Football team captured the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) East Division title six seasons and took home the Conference title four times in 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019. Also under Horne’s leadership, the Women’s Tennis team won the SWAC Championship in 2016 while the Women’s Softball team won SWAC East Division titles in 2017 and 2018. There have also been 5 coaches who have received SWAC Coach of the Year honors under Horne.
“I want to thank the leadership at Alcorn State, especially Dr. Nave, for entrusting me with the honor of guiding our athletics department. I step away with a great sense of pride in what we were able to accomplish for our student-athletes, coaches, and staff during my time here,” stated Horne.
Horne was not only successful with the athletes on the field/court but within the classroom as well. As AD, 203 student-athletes earned degrees and in 2018-2019, 133 student-athletes had grade point averages of 3.0 or higher.
Dr. Felecia M. Nave, 20th President of ASU, stated, “I would like to thank AD Horne for his unwavering commitment and service to the University. Under his guidance, Alcorn Athletics has proven to be a powerhouse in multiple areas, from supporting a winning culture to bringing multiple championships to Alcorn to tackling compliance and ensuring that academics were foremost for our student-athletes.”
There will be a national search on ‘The Reservation’ for the next Athletic Director.
