The Fayetteville State University Director of Athletics has announced his retirement after 8 years of service there and over 20 years of service within the University of North Carolina system. Dr. Edward McLean took over the reins of FSU Athletics in January 2007, previously serving as Director of Athletics at Elizabeth City State University for 13 years.
“Careful thought went into my decision,” said McLean. “Retirement is an option that allows me to enjoy the next phase of my life after over 30 years in athletics management. I am looking forward to exhale, reflect, and perhaps use my knowledge and expertise at the next level. As many people know, I will likely play a few more rounds of golf too,” added McLean with a smile.
During his time at FSU, the Broncos won 13 CIAA conference championships–football (2009), women’s basketball (2010), golf (2007, 2009, 2012), volleyball (2007, 2013, 2014), bowling (2007, 2008, 2011, 2012), and women’s tennis (2007). Four programs (football, women’s basketball, volleyball twice and golf six times) have participated in NCAA regional playoff games.
Along with winning on the courts and fields, McLean has focused on student-athletes winning in the classroom as well. At FSU, he established a Student-Athlete Academic Center to provide academic tutors with mandated study halls and an athletic academic advisor. His student-athletes average graduation rate at FSU is over 60%.
McLeanenhanced facilities at FSU as one of his first initiatives. Building upon the already-impressive facilities, he guided renovations of the Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium including the addition of a video jumbotron scoreboard, turf, and upgrading the football locker room and press box. Several facility renovations were also made to the Felton J. Capel Arena. Fayetteville State, because of its teams and facilities, has seen an increase in television exposure for football and basketball games during McLean’s tenure.
In 2007,he established the 1,000 Broncos Annual Giving Campaign, now known as the Broncos Athletic Fund. Through this effort, the fund generates scholarships for deserving student-athletes. During the last 8 years, the campaign has grown offering several additional full scholarships annually. In 2009, he obtained several long-term sponsors for the video scoreboard and electronic marquis generating approximately $100,000 annually.
McLean also co-founded the “Down East Viking Football Classic” in 1997 when at Elizabeth City State University, which is now in its 18th year, and the “Two Rivers Football Classic” in 2008 between Fayetteville State and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke now in its 6th year. These two promotional games were the result of a successful model of collaboration among the competing institutions, local government, public schools, and business and industry.
Read more here.
