Harris steps down as Athletics' Director

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Ed Harris announced he will step down as Athletics' Director at Midwestern State University Friday effective Sep. 15, 2007.

"Ed has served Midwestern State University for almost a year," MSU President Dr. Jesse Rogers said. "In that period he has lived up to his reputation as an experienced and outstanding athletics' director."

Harris came out of retirement to take over duties at Midwestern State last September after spending 11 years in the same capacity at West Texas A&M University in Canyon.

"It has been an honor for me to serve as the Director of Athletics at MSU for the past 10 months," Harris said. "Midwestern is a special place and I truly believe the future is bright for all of our programs. Were it not for several personal issues that need my attention, I would have loved being a part of that future."

While at Midwestern, he has supervised the restructuring of the athletics' department and oversaw one of the most successful years of athletics in school history as eight of the Mustangs' 11 programs advanced to postseason play.

"He rapidly gained the respect of our coaches, administration and student athletes here at MSU," Rogers said. "Changes that Ed brought to the program will last for years. We will miss him and wish his family the very best in retirement. I just do not want to see him in the stands of our coliseum cheering for West Texas."

Prior to moving to the Panhandle, Harris guided the Missouri Western State College athletic department for 10 years. In all, he has served in athletics' administration for much of the last 22 years.

Before moving into an administrative role, Harris served as the men's tennis coach at the University of North Carolina-Asheville where he recorded a 53-47 overall record in duel matches including a top 10 national finish in 1983.

Harris has also been instrumental in the evolution of NCAA Division II athletics as he has served on many committees including NCAA Division II Championships' Committees, the Membership Review and Amateurism project teams.

In 2000, he was selected West Region Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and was presented the General Robert R. Neyland Award for outstanding achievement in 2006.

 "I want to thank the coaches, staff, student-athletes and boosters for their hard work and support during my brief tenure as athletics' director," Harris said. "Working with Dr. Jesse Rogers and his outstanding administrative team has been a great experience and I want to thank each of them for all of the support they have given to me and the athletic program."

A national search for Mr. Harris' replacement will begin immediately.