Anderson University Names New Athletics Vice President

Story Courtesy of Anderson University 

ANDERSON, SC – Anderson University has named J. Bert Epting, Ph.D., as its new Vice President for Athletics, effective May 7.

"Having observed Dr. Epting's outstanding work, his knowledge of athletics and his inspirational leadership, I have great confidence he will be an exceedingly effective leader for our growing athletic division as well as an outstanding member of Anderson University's Senior Leadership Team," said Dr. Evans P. Whitaker, AU's President.

Dr. Epting replaces Bill D'Andrea, who after three years of service announced his retirement earlier this year. Dr. Epting came to AU in 2016 as Associate Vice President for Development. President Whitaker lauded his commitment to AU advancement and commitment to "all things AU."

"He comes to this new role at a strategic time of re-envisioning the plan for our future athletic facilities as well as an emphasis on ever-increasing athletic competitiveness in the South Atlantic Conference," Dr. Whitaker said. "Dr. Epting's vision, proven ability and spirit of teamwork make him a perfect fit for the job."

In his new role, Dr. Epting will provide leadership and management to all areas aligned with the AU Athletics Department, including athletic teams, administration of the Abney Athletic Center and Athletic Campus facilities and management of all indoor and outdoor athletic facilities. He will report to President Whitaker and work closely on athletic fundraising and other routine matters with Wayne Landrith, Senior Vice President for Development and Presidential Affairs.

"I am truly humbled and honored to continue serving the Anderson University family, and I want to thank Dr. Whitaker for entrusting me to lead the AU Department of Athletics," Dr. Epting said. "As an institution that excels in providing an elite academic experience in a Christian environment, the opportunity to continue building on a strong athletic brand and history is both exciting and motivating as I undertake the responsibility to uphold AU's high standards of excellence for our student-athletes, coaches and athletic administration."

A former NCAA Division I basketball player, Dr. Epting came to AU from Shorter University, where he was Vice President for University Advancement from 2012 until 2015. His responsibilities there included athletic fundraising and participation. He previously served as Senior Director of Development at Clemson University from 2008 until 2012, following positions that included serving as Associate Director of New Student and Family Programs; Director of Orientation; and Assistant Director of Student Development Services.

Dr. Epting began his career at the University of South Carolina, where he was an Assistant Director in the Office of Enrollment Management. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University in 2001, where he was a member of the basketball team. He earned a Master of Counseling Education/Student Affairs from Clemson in 2003, and completed his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership in 2013, also at Clemson.

A native of Tigerville, South Carolina, Dr. Epting is married to the former Hannah Tucker of Easley. They are the proud parents of four young children – James, Campbell, Tucker and Charlotte – and are members of Alive Church in Central.

"Hannah and I could not be more excited to continue our time at AU in the athletic department and we are eager to immerse our four children into a campus community that represents so many of the values we try to instill in our children," Dr. Epting said. "We are excited to get started."

Anderson University is a selective comprehensive university offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees on campus and online. Anderson is ranked in the top tier of US News and World Report's Best Regional Universities South, is among its Best Online Bachelor's Programs and has been recognized as the #7 Most Innovative School among regional universities. It is also ranked as one of America's "100 Best College Buys."