Hammond named athletic director

Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas announced Jeff Hammond as the new athletic director for the University of Southern Mississippi on Wednesday afternoon at a press conference at the Trent Lott Center on campus.


Hammond, who has been serving as the interim athletic director since January, has signed a one-year contract to serve as the schools fifth athletic director.


"Jeff Hammond has been an important part of our university's past as an outstanding student-athlete and our present as a staff member whose energy and passion for Southern Miss knows no end," Lucas said.


Dr. Lucas further explained the choice to hire Hammond. “We know Jeff's love for our institution. We know his determination, and we know he is capable of meeting any and all challenges we face or may face in the future."


"I am most grateful to The University of Southern Mississippi for the opportunity to lead our athletics department into the future," Hammond said. "I appreciate the trust of both Dr. (Martha) Saunders and Dr. Lucas, and the support of many wonderful Golden Eagle supporters across the State of Mississippi and throughout the world. My commitment is to lead by example, from the front, always demonstrating a love for our University and the moral courage to always do the right thing. It is time to come together as a University team and chart a course into the future on the eve of the 100th anniversary of Southern Miss athletics."


Hammond and his wife Diane are both graduates form Southern Miss. They have two children, Michael and Megan.


Hammond is an alumnus and former athlete of Southern Miss, spending time as a starting quarterback for two seasons from 1976-1978. He earned two degrees at Southern Miss, a bachelor’s and a master’s in special education. He rejoined Southern Miss in 2010 after serving in the United States Army from 1978- where he reached the rank of major general.


Hammond takes over for Richard Giannini, who stepped down in December 2011 after serving as the athletic director for 13 years.