Louisiana Athletic Director Scott Farmer, who has overseen the largest period of growth in the history of Ragin' Cajuns athletics, announced today he is accepting a teaching position in the Department of Kinesiology.

"My nearly 10 years at UL (4 years as Sr. Associate and 6 years a AD) have been wonderful years. It has been a great ride," said an emotional Farmer. "Today, I announce my resignation as Director of Athletics to accept a position on the faculty of this great teaching University."

Farmer came to Louisiana in 2007 as Senior Associate Athletic Director in August 2007 after serving in the same position at Troy University.  He was hired by former Director of Athletics David Walker.  Farmer became the interim AD upon Walker's retirement in 2011 and was named the permanent AD two years later.

"We are grateful to Scott for his years of valuable service and as our director of athletics," said University President Dr. E. Joseph Savoie. "In his new teaching role, his real-life experiences will provide valuable lessons for our students."

Deputy Director of Athletics Dr. Jessica Leger has been named interim AD until a replacement is found.

Former Missouri AD and current consultant Mike Alden will assist Dr. Leger, and help conduct a search for the new AD at Louisiana.

"Dr. Leger will be the (interim Athletic Director). I will hire the next Athletic Director," explained Dr. Savoie. "Mike Alden will be a consultant."

Alden performed a study on the University's athletic department last year. Savoie will keep him on contract for consulting.

"The Alden report was revealing in many ways," explained Savoie. " (It) had practical solutions."

Since his arrival, the athletic budget at the university has more than doubled.  In addition, Farmer was instrumental in the forming of the Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Foundation.  He also headed up the master plan for athletics, a $116 million dollar endeavor to improve facilities in all sports.  Phase I of the project has been completed with the building of the Athletic Performance Center, the new locker rooms at Track/Soccer complex, and the bowling in of the south end zone at Cajun Field, along with new concession points of sale and locker rooms.

Phase Two includes the $16 million dollar renovation of Russo Park/M. L. "Tigue" Moore Field, which is underway.

Farmer was also instrumental in the hiring of head football coach Mark Hudspeth, who led the Cajuns to four consecutive New Orleans Bowl wins, men's basketball coach Bob Marlin, who has had the Cajuns in postseason play in four of the last five seasons, and women's basketball coach Garry Brodhead, who has led the Cajuns to two consecutive Women's Basketball Invitational titles.

The Cajuns have also experienced unparalleled success in the classroom, with overall GPA and graduation rates achieving the best marks in school history.  The graduation rate among student-athletes is the best in Louisiana.

"I love UL, what we have accomplished together can never be taken away," said Farmer. "My time is over, but I am still here and still a Ragin' Cajun. God bless all of you. I am happy to have been part of your success."

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