LSU Appoints Verge Ausberry Permanent Athletic Director

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**LSU Names Verge Ausberry Permanent Athletic Director Amid Leadership Transition**

**BATON ROUGE, LA –** Louisiana State University has officially appointed Verge Ausberry as its permanent Athletic Director, a move confirmed Tuesday by newly installed LSU President Wade Rousse. Ausberry, a longtime fixture within LSU athletics, had been serving as interim AD since the recent and abrupt departure of former Athletic Director Scott Woodward.

The appointment solidifies Ausberry’s role as the full-time head of all LSU’s athletic programs, placing him at the helm of one of the nation’s most high-profile and successful collegiate sports enterprises. The decision marks one of the first major leadership changes under President Rousse, who assumed his role earlier this month.

“Verge Ausberry has demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to LSU over many years, particularly during his tenure as interim Athletic Director,” President Rousse said in a statement released by the university. “His deep understanding of LSU’s unique culture, his established relationships with our coaches, student-athletes, and fan base, and his vision for the future of collegiate athletics make him the ideal choice to lead our programs forward. I have full confidence that under his guidance, LSU Athletics will continue to achieve unparalleled success both on and off the field.”

Ausberry brings extensive experience and institutional knowledge to the permanent role. A former LSU football player, he has held various senior administrative positions within the athletic department for over two decades, including Executive Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs and Executive Deputy Athletic Director for Internal Affairs. His responsibilities have spanned fundraising, donor relations, facility management, and student-athlete development, providing him a comprehensive understanding of the department’s operations.

“It is an honor and a privilege to accept this position and lead the athletic department of the university I love,” Ausberry stated. “I am grateful to President Rousse for this incredible opportunity. LSU has a rich tradition of excellence, and I am committed to building upon that legacy, ensuring our student-athletes have the resources to succeed academically and athletically, and continuing to compete for championships across all our sports.”

The move follows the unexpected “ouster” of Scott Woodward, who had served as LSU’s Athletic Director since 2019. Woodward’s tenure was marked by significant achievements, including national championships in football (2019) and baseball (2023), and high-profile coaching hires such as Brian Kelly for football and Jay Johnson for baseball. However, sources close to the university indicated that a divergence in strategic vision and escalating internal pressures led to his departure, paving the way for Ausberry’s interim appointment.

Ausberry now faces the immediate challenges inherent in modern collegiate athletics, including navigating the complexities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, managing the transfer portal, ensuring competitive excellence within the fiercely competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC), and continuing facility enhancements and fundraising efforts. LSU’s athletic programs, particularly football, baseball, women’s basketball, and gymnastics, consistently rank among the nation’s elite, placing immense pressure on the Athletic Director to sustain success.

President Rousse’s swift decision to confirm Ausberry suggests a desire for stability and continuity within the athletic department, especially given the new presidential leadership. The appointment was first reported by an Associated Press source earlier Tuesday, later confirmed by the university’s official statement and an internal memo to staff.

Ausberry’s long-standing ties to LSU are expected to foster strong relationships with alumni and donors, crucial for maintaining the financial health and competitive edge of the athletic department. His transition from interim to permanent AD is effective immediately.

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