Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas has named long-time PCCUA Social Science Instructor Andrew Bagley as the institution’s new Athletic Director.
Dr. Keith Pinchback made the announcement this week saying, “We are proud to welcome Bagley as our new Athletic Director. His dedication to our students, his deep ties to this community, and his passion for shaping strong athletic and academic outcomes will benefit our college for years to come”.
Bagley said it was an honor and a privilege to be able to serve PCCUA during this critical time saying, “Phillips College has been a part of my life since I took typing from Sharon Crumby when I was in high school at Barton. For the past 26 years, I have taught U. S. History and American Government either as an adjunct or a full-time instructor. PCCUA isn’t just a workplace for me. It has been like a second home. For my entire career I advocated for the return of athletics because it provides opportunities to many who otherwise would not get to pursue higher education, it enhances campus life for the students and staff, more closely connects our college to the community, and provides positive exposure for PCCUA around the state and region.”
Bagley said initially he would focus on getting up to speed on compliance requirements with the National Junior College Athletic Association, guiding the department through the basketball season which began on November 1, and meeting with donors and supporters in all of the college communities to get feedback on additional sports in both Phillips and Arkansas Counties. He said, “There is a lot to learn and I have some big shoes to fill, but I have high expectations of myself and for this department. I am getting up to speed on the rules and regulations for NJCAA because that has to be the top priority in these initial weeks on the job. There are a lot of people to meet and visit. There is a lot of hard work and long days ahead the next few weeks but I couldn’t be more excited. We have good coaches, talented teams and PCCUA has an amazing group of people to work with. I can’t wait to visit with our fans at the Ridge Runner Gymnasium and cheer on our teams for the rest of the season.”
Bagley has been very active at the college, serving in numerous roles in addition to being an instructor. He has served on the Athletic Committee which focused on the resurrection of the men’s and women’s basketball program since its inception. Bagley has also helped with fundraising for athletics as the Director of Special Athletic Events, leading PCCUA to start the Ridge Runner Showcase, an annual high school basketball tournament in December, the annual Ridge Runner Golf Tournament in May, and worked with Barton High School to bring a Class 2A regional to campus last spring, the first such event in Helena-West Helena in over three decades.
Additionally, he currently serves on the Faculty Senate where he has two previous stints as the President. He has also served on the Instruction and Curriculum and Academic Standards Committee. Bagley is currently in his 19th year as a full-time instructor and was an adjunct instructor for seven years.
For more information about Ridge Runner basketball, visit https://www.pccua.edu/athletics.
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