Darron Boatright, chief operating officer of Wichita State Athletics, has been named interim director of the department, with full responsibility for its teams, contracts and personnel. Eric Sexton, executive director of athletics, will be serving full time as the university's vice president for student affairs. His promotion to student affairs was announced in April, but he had retained duties in the athletics department.

WSU President John Bardo announced the changes Wednesday, Dec. 9. The appointments are effective immediately.

“Eric is doing important work in student affairs,” Bardo said, “and I’m glad we have Darron in place to run athletics. This completes the transition begun last spring.”

Bardo said he and Boatright would spend significant time in the coming year developing a strategy to raise Wichita State’s national prominence in athletics.

Sexton said he has greatly enjoyed his eight years as director.

“In athletics, I have been responsible for the development and well-being of 300 students each year,” Sexton said. “In student affairs, the calling is even greater, with my focus on 15,000 student experiences.

“What I am appreciating most in my first year as vice president for student affairs is working every day to position students to be their most successful selves and position staff to provide the very best quality campus life that creates ties for a lifetime.”

Prior to becoming athletics director in 2008, Sexton was executive director of government relations and board of trustees at WSU. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at WSU and his doctorate at the University of Kansas.

Boatright has been in athletics administration and coaching for 19 years, including the past five at Wichita State. His background includes supervision and leadership of athletics marketing, development, fundraising, corporate sponsorships, radio/TV broadcasting, media relations, ticket operations and day-to-day oversight of the men's basketball and baseball programs for WSU athletics.

Prior to his tenure at WSU, he had administrative and basketball coaching roles at the University of Alabama and Murray State University. Boatright earned a bachelor's degree from Murray State University and a master's degree from the University of Alabama.

“I look forward to maintaining the focus on our sport programs, student athletes and coaches while working closely with the president and his executive team in moving our department and university forward.” Boatright said. “During any transition it is imperative to maintain continuity and structure. With the support of our very knowledgeable staff and wonderful group of coaches and student athletes, we will accomplish this together.”