Gordon A. Kirkland Jr., Associate Dean of Admissions at Catawba College, is moving to the athletics department, it was announced today by Dennis Davidson, director of athletics.
Kirkland, a member of the admissions staff since 2000, will become assistant to the athletic director, effective June 1. Davidson said that Kirkland’s duties will include coordinating all athletic recruiting, assisting Catawba’s coaches with initial contacts and campus visits, as well as other duties.
He will also assist with NCAA eligibility and compliance for about half of the school’s student athletes, working with Craig Turnbull, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance.
Davidson added that Kirkland will also be involved in the marketing of Catawba athletics, including the recruitment of groups to attend the games andEvents.
“We are excited to have someone of Gordon’s abilities joining our staff,” said Davidson. “He will bring enthusiasm and a love of Catawba athletics into the area of recruiting and marketing. He certainly has knowledge of the traditions and successes that Catawba has enjoyed over the years. He should be a great asset helping us continue our recent successes as well.”
This spring, Catawba captured its first South Atlantic Conference Excellence Cup, an award for the top combined performance of a school’s athletic teams.
Kirkland, a 1970 Catawba graduate, is the son of legendary coach Gordon Kirkland Sr., known for tremendous successes in football, basketball and baseball in the 1940s. The playing field in Shuford Stadium is named for Kirkland Sr.
