Interview With New Director of Athletics Todd Wilkinson
Director of Athletics Todd Wilkinson officially began his responsibilities as the new director on Feb. 1, 2023.
Some of the responsibilities of the Director of Athletics include managing the facilities that the athletes use and supporting the staff and coaches that work within the department as the overall director. Wilkinson expressed his appreciation to his colleagues for their support during the transition.
“The colleagues have been super. I interviewed for this job back in December. The people I met on campus our now my colleagues. They’ve been super from the day I interviewed ‘till the day I accepted and all through the transition and getting here. So it’s everything that I felt it would be and more. I’m just really enjoying it,” said Wilkinson.
Wilkinson is focused on developing relationships with the people in athletics, on campus and within the University. One of the first things Wilkinson did was start meeting with the teams.
“I love their energy. I love their attention to the model that I’m bringing of winning our campus and winning our community and that we’ve engaged ourselves that way,” said Wilkinson.
Wilkinson is in the initial phases of his position but he has spoken with staff about basic ideas for the model he would like to see implemented.
“I guess it’s simply an alignment. Alignment of everybody here with the University and being able to fulfill the admission and generate good will throughout, from the athletics to the campus to the community in any other far reaching areas that we can potentially connect to. Pacer Athletics has a strong history. It’s been a strong athletic program in the South East region. There’s great potential here to continue that and move that forward. I want to see an athletic department that is respected and valued within the community of Aiken and this campus,” said Wilkinson.
The model is structured around winning the four C’s. The four C’s stand for Campus, Community, Classroom, and Competition.
“Every one of those areas is very important to me. I believe in winning our campus community is interacting with campus community and not just being in a side low away from athletics. Admission here is education and athletics is a bridge to the university in many ways,” said Wilkinson.
Wilkinson is looking forward to seeing where the basketball teams end up by the end of February as they work towards the Peach Belt Conference Tournament. It is an annual championship.
“They’re both having excellent seasons. Both in positions to finish very strong. Certainly in contention for being teams that could be selected for the NCAA championships and moving forward. So, I’m really excited to see that,” said Wilkinson.
Wilkinson is also looking forward to the spring sports that are getting started.
“Our baseball team has gotten off to a good start. Our softball team is now getting into their full schedule and will certainly be an excellent team. The men’s golf program will soon open up and I’ve known about the men’s golf program being in this region for a long time. I’m looking forward to seeing that high level of golf,” said Wilkinson.
Wilkinson started off in collegian athletics as a coach and was also a student athlete. He has a respect for what student athletes do.
“It takes a lot of dedication and not everyone can do it. They should be proud of themselves,” said Wilkinson.
