MOBILE, Ala. — University of South Alabama President Gordon Moulton on Sunday introduced Dr. Joel Erdmann as the school’s next athletic director, returning a former USA administrator to campus to succeed the retiring Joe Gottfried.
Erdmann, 46, was selected from a pool of more than 50 applicants. Gottfried announced earlier that he will retire effective Aug. 1. Erdmann becomes the fourth athletic director in the history of the university, which was founded in 1963.
Selection Process
Three finalists interviewed on campus over the past few weeks: Erdmann, Brian Wickstrom of UTEP and Derrick Ramsey of Coppin State. Moulton called Erdmann over the weekend to offer him the position.
“Joel Erdmann brings to the University of South Alabama the experience that comes from having led other athletic programs, as well as a familiarity with and appreciation for USA athletics stemming from his earlier leadership position here,” Moulton said at Sunday’s press conference. “Dr. Erdmann is the right person to take the torch from Joe Gottfried and lead University of South Alabama athletics to the next level.”
Erdmann’s Remarks
Erdmann pointed to the arrival of football as an opportunity for the department.
“I appreciate President Moulton and everyone who was involved in the selection process. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this tradition-filled department and look forward to capitalizing on the addition of football while maintaining a high level of excellence throughout all sport programs,” Erdmann said. “It is truly a privilege to be a member of the University of South Alabama and a memorable time to be a Jaguar.”
Experience At Southeastern Louisiana And North Alabama
Erdmann comes to South Alabama after two years as athletic director at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La. During his tenure there, Southeastern Louisiana won its first Southland Conference Men’s All-Sports Trophy and two conference championships, and Erdmann played a key role in upgrades to athletic facilities.
Before that, he was athletic director at Division II North Alabama for five years, from 2002 to 2007. North Alabama’s football team won Gulf South Conference championships in 2003 and 2006 and a Division II regional championship in 2003 during his time there.
Return To USA
Erdmann has deep ties to South Alabama, where he earned a master’s degree in physical education. He previously served the university as a graduate assistant baseball coach, assistant to the athletics director and executive director of the Jaguar Athletic Club, and he handled compliance, game operations and special projects. He was also a tenured associate professor in the College of Education.
Background
A native of Bismarck, N.D., Erdmann graduated from South Dakota State and earned his doctorate in sports management and athletic administration from Florida State University in 1995. He is married to the former Tina Milton.
Erdmann takes over as South Alabama prepares to launch its football program, which plays its first season this fall under head coach Joey Jones at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. USA competes in the Sun Belt Conference.
