Savannah State University Director of Athletics Sterling Steward, Jr., has resigned to take a new position as the director of athletics for the University of Alaska Fairbanks. His resignation is effective September 28, 2018.

While at Savannah State, Steward oversaw 15 National Collegiate Athletics Association Division I sports.

“Mr. Steward’s leadership helped bring home championships and accolades for our student-athletes,” said President Cheryl Davenport Dozier. “We wish him all the best in his next position.”

During his tenure at SSU, the Tigers won Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championships in men’s basketball, baseball and women’s basketball; along with individual championships in men’s golf, tennis and track & field.

“It has been an awesome seven years at Savannah State and I am saddened to see my time end,” said Steward. “SSU will always have a place in my heart. I look to the future and only hope to duplicate the accomplishments we experienced at SSU.”

Steward came to Savannah State from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Miss., where he served as senior consultant for Athletics Administration. Prior to that, he was interim athletic director/associate athletic director for compliance at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Ala.

A native of New Orleans, Steward attended the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss., where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1993 and 1996, respectively, in human performance and recreation.

Dozier has appointed Assistant Athletics Director Opio Mashariki to serve as interim director of athletics.