Alcorn State University Athletic Director Resigns

Alcorn State University athletic director Derek Horne resigned late Thursday, abruptly ending a tenure that began in August 2014.

As reported by The Vicksburg Post, Horne did not provide a reason for his departure, which took immediate effect, though the announcement came roughly two weeks after it was revealed the HBCU in Mississippi did not have a certified athletic trainer on staff, which forced the football team to cancel two practices ahead of a road game at South Alabama.

That situation was rectified last week, when Horne announced the hiring of Roderick Alexander Young as head athletic trainer.

Related: After Week Without, Alcorn State Hires Athletic Trainer

Despite the recent staff shortcomings, Horne oversaw sustained success within the football program, which has won the Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division championship in all six years it has participated, and the SWAC championship four times.

Alcorn women's tennis program won the SWAC championship in 2016, and the softball team won two East Division championships. Five ASU coaches have been named SWAC Coach of the Year under Horne.

"I step away with a great sense of pride in what we were able to accomplish for our student-athletes, coaches and staff during my time here," Horne said in a statement. "I want to express my gratitude to the loyal alumni and supporters, and our friends in the Lorman community for their unwaving passion for helping our athletic programs succeed on and off the fields of play. I walk away with excitement and enthusiasm as I look forward to the next chapter of my professional career."

"I would like to thank AD Horne for his unwavering commitment and service to Alcorn State University," ASU president Felecia Nave said in a statement, "Under his guidance, Alcorn athletics has proven to be a powerhouse in multiple areas — from supporting a winning culture to bring multiple championships to Alcorn, to tackling compliance and ensuring that academics were foremost for our student-athletes. We appreciate the stability that he provided to ensure the success of Alcorn athletics."