LORMAN — Alcorn State University announced the promotion of Larry Smith to director of athletic development on March 11. Smith is the former Alcorn head basketball coach. He will report to Stephen L. McDaniel, vice president of Institutional Advancement.

“He is just a very solid athletic personality who has a good track record of working with and developing players,” said Dr. Norris Allen Edney, current acting dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “He is a level-headed person of high character. It is always good to have a strong presence in the front office.”

“Coach Smith has a great deal of fundraising experience,” Dr. M. Christopher Brown II, president of Alcorn, said. “His experience and relationships will align perfectly with the restructuring of Institutional Advancement and give the University a strong advantage.”

The Director of Athletic Development is responsible for developing programs that raise funds to keep the institution’s athletic programs solvent. The individual is expected to find ways to raise $250,000 or more annually for large capital campaigns, such as new buildings, but also for other programs of the department, such as athletic scholarships.

Brown also referenced the need to construct a facility named in honor of legendary former Alcorn football coach Marino Casem.

Smith is extremely optimistic about his newest challenge on behalf of Alcorn athletics.

“Alcorn has many talented employees and our goal is to find individuals with experiences in complimentary areas,” McDaniel said. “I am grateful to Dr. Brown for his leadership and knowing the importance of fundraising in advancing the University’s mission.”

Another significant appointment Brown announced today is the transfer and promotion of Shundera Perteet to business manager for the Department of Athletics. Perteet has more than a decade of experience in University administration in the offices of the Executive Vice President and Academic Affairs. Her initial responsibilities will include the 2012 academic budget, and finalization of ticket packages for the upcoming Alcorn athletic season.

Smith, a 1980 alum with a bachelor’s degree in business, spent 13 seasons (1980-1993) in the NBA, playing for the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. Smith received NBA All-Rookie Team Honors in 1981, and became one of the best rebounders in the 1980s. He had career averages of 9.2 rebounds and 25.9 minutes per game.

He worked as an assistant coach with the Rockets in 1993-94 and 1994-95, helping them capture their back-to-back NBA titles. After serving as the head coach of the Anaheim Arsenal, and as an assistant coach for the Austin Toros during the 2006-07 NBA Developmental-League season, Smith was hired to be an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association for the 2008 season. In May 2008 he was hired to be the head coach for Alcorn.

Senior Women Administrator LLJuna Weir will lead the search committee for the selection of a new head basketball coach.  “Alcorn believes in excellence,” says Weir. “We are committed to this process and have the full support of the University administration.”

Athletic Director Brenda Square says, “It has been a pleasure working with Coach Smith and I look forward to working with him to generate much needed resources for our athletic programs.”