Veteran college administrator Oval Jaynes has been hired as Athletics Director at Jacksonville State University, University President Dr. William A. Meehan announced.Jaynes has served previously as Athletics Director at Colorado State, University of Pittsburgh, University of Idaho and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
“We are very excited to have someone with the experience that Mr. Jaynes has to lead our athletics department,” Dr. Meehan said.
“His experience at four different Division I institutions was an overwhelming factor in my decision. He has outstanding credentials and contacts, which should only enhance our entire athletic department.”
Jaynes, who spent three years as the head football coach at Gardner-Webb from 1975-78, began his administrative career as an Assistant Athletic Director and Associate Athletic Director at Auburn University from 1981-1986.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to serve as the Athletics Director at Jacksonville State,” Jaynes said.
“As we move forward, I want to continue the success that JSU has experienced over the last five years by winning 32 OVC Championships.
"I look forward to working with the university community, including the faculty, staff, students, alumni, former athletes and friends of the university.”
He was the Athletics Director at Colorado State for five years before taking over at the University of Pittsburgh. He led the Panther athletic department from 1991 until 1996, when he moved to Director of Athletics at the University of Idaho. He then spent five years at Chattanooga as Director of Athletics and then another year as Special Assistant to the Chancellor.
Jaynes, a graduate of Appalachian State, has served on numerous NCAA committees, including the NCAA Council, District VII Post-Graduate Scholarship and the Nominating Committee. He also has served NACADA as the AFCA Liaison and on the Finance, Legislative, and Executive Committees and was the Third Vice-President in 1995-96. He served on the College Football Association Board of Directors in 1996-97.
