The University of Maryland-College Park isn’t the only school in Maryland with a new Black athletic director. Bowie State University recently named Anton Goff as the new director of athletics, just a week after UMD announced the hiring of Kevin Anderson as its new AD.
BSU managed to steal Goff from UMD after he previously served as associate director for the Academic Support and Career Development Unit at College Park. Goff brings 15 years of college athletics administrative experience with him as he succeeds Interim Athletic Director Arlene Clark, a BSU alum who served the university for more than 30 years. Goff’s résumé includes duties such as supervising six of 27 UMD varsity teams, as well as managing the school’s athletic budget. Prior to his most recent tenure at Maryland, Goff served Michigan State University as an academic coordinator for the school football team, where he monitored student athletes’ classroom efforts and progress. Before arriving at Michigan State, he served on the academic support team for Maryland from 1998 to 2001. Goff earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in administration of justice from Virginia Commonwealth University. He later earned a doctorate in education administration from Kent State. Goff is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
“Mr. Goff brings an array of experiences that are certain to enhance the athletic programs at Bowie State University,” said Mickey L. Burnim, Bowie president, in a statement. “His credentials are impressive and we are indeed delighted he is joining BSU to help lead an already thriving Division II program to the next level of excellence.”
Goff will officially assume his new title on Oct. 1 and will be responsible for overseeing 13 men’s and women’s athletic teams, all associated with the NCAA Division II’s Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
“It is a great day to be a Bulldog,” Goff stated. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me professionally and personally. My goals and values mirror those of BSU and I am looking forward to leading the Athletic Department in pursuit of academic and athletic excellence as well as community participation. I am honored to be placed in this leadership position. My family and I are excited to become contributing members of the Bowie State University community.”
