I hope this letter finds you and your family well. Today officially marks my 100th day as the Director of Athletics at Georgia Southern University. As I reflect back on my time so far here in Statesboro, I first want to thank you, Eagle Nation! My family and I are honored to be part of such a special University and community!

My first 100 days have been filled with a lot of excitement … and curveballs. However, as new challenges have presented themselves, we have taken a positive mindset in identifying ways that we can both grow and engage in productive dialogue with various constituent groups. I have been encouraging our staff and supporters that for Georgia Southern to reach its full potential, everyone must pull on the "same side of the rope with purpose and direction."

COVID-19 has impacted the lives of everyone and has reinforced our priority of ensuring that the welfare of our student-athletes will always remain our focus. While there are still many unknowns as to how the next few months play out, you can rest assured that Dr. Marrero and his leadership team continue to actively plan for safe delivery of in-person instruction this fall. A COVID-19 game-day task force has also been formed and is comprised of Athletics staff and campus partners. This group has been putting in considerable time to update our standard operating procedures and potential changes for game days this fall at Paulson Stadium (and at our other venues).

We are also working proactively with our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and campus partners to continue to improve our inclusive excellence efforts within the Department. Georgia Southern Athletics vehemently opposes all forms of racism and strongly encourages equality for all members of society. We are taking a long-term lens on this important societal change and are in the beginning stages of developing a strategic plan for how we can serve as positive change agents for our University, community, state, and country.

The announcement of Brian Burg as our new men's basketball coach on March 29 is a date that we will all look back on and remember the day our program was elevated to new heights. Brian has assembled what I feel is the best staff in the Sun Belt and has recruited an impressive group of newcomers. The next few years in Hanner Fieldhouse are going to be exciting and I would encourage you to purchase season tickets to help create a winning atmosphere!

Lastly, as we approach the next few months, we have some exciting new initiatives that we will be sharing with Eagle Nation. I mentioned during my introductory press conference that we would embrace our rich history and be innovative at the same time. I have shared with our staff that everything we do is on the table for examination. We are in the process of critically reviewing all aspects of our program in an effort to find ways to improve. Further, we will continue to explore and identify ways to expand our brand and improve our fan experience. Each of you will play a vital part in helping us reach our goals and we look forward to sharing several of these initiatives in the near future.

Eagle Nation, you have embraced my family and me with open arms and have welcomed us into the community. Our personal excitement is only equaled when I think about the future outlook for Georgia Southern Athletics. Our best days are ahead and I look forward to sharing many more memories with each of you in the future!

Hail Southern and GATA!