ORANGEBURG, S.C. - Paul Bryant, former athletics director at Stillman College, has been named Director of Athletics at South Carolina State University. Bryant, will begin his new duties on August 25. He succeeds Charlene M. Johnson, who served 11 years as Bulldog AD.
 
 "After a lengthy and rigorous process, the selection committee emerged with what I believe to be the very best candidate to move our athletics program to the next level, "said SC State president Thomas J. Elzey. " We are excited about his arrival and look forward to the monumental changes he will make here."
 
 "I am grateful to have this opportunity to lead the South Carolina State athletics department," said Bryant. "I want to thank President Elzey and the staff for believing in my vision and I look forward to getting in, addressing the needs of the department and preparing for the fall season.
 
"I am excited about working with the alumni and community to garner additional support for such a historically rich institution."
 
Bryant brings more than two decades of senior level administration and 22 years of coaching experience to the Orangeburg campus. Most recently, he served as the Director of Athletics at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he built a winning tradition in his short tenure there.
 
Under Bryant's tutelage, three Stillman athletic programs (men's and women's tennis and baseball) won both division and tournament titles, while eight track and field athletes represented the College at the Division II outdoor championship.
 
While at Stillman, Bryant also created several new initiatives such as the Athletic Director's Honor Roll and the fifth-year athletic work program, while raising funds to construct an on-campus fitness. Prior to his tenure at Stillman, he served as Director of Athletics at Eureka College (2008-13) in Eureka, Illinois and as the Associate Director of Athletics and head men's basketball coach for Urbana University (2004-08) in Ohio.
 
He earned several administrative honors and coaching accolades during his stints at Stillman, Urbana University and Sinclair Community College (1997-2003). As, Eureka's first Chief  Diversity Officer, Bryant assisted in the development of the institution's strategic planning and branding guidelines, while  overseeing 18 intercollegiate teams.
 
A native of Ohio, he holds a bachelor's degree from Alaska Pacific University and a master's degree in Education from Urbana University. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Athletic Administration from Northcentral University.