FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Mid- Atlantic Christian University Empowers Athletics’ Program
Elizabeth City, NC – February 13, 2012 – Mid-Atlantic Christian University has empowered her athletic program through new staffing and additional programs. Athletics has been a part of the institution’s 60 plus year history. MACU is proud to announce a renewed emphasis in athletics by hiring her first full-time Athletic Director, planning to expand athletic offerings, and has plans for facility renovations.
Neal Alligood has been selected as the Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach. President Clay Perkins states, “This is wonderful news for all those students in high school that are looking for a place to compete in college athletics. We welcome students who seek a strong academic program in one of our 20+ majors, who also have a passion for sports, and a desire to be in a Christian environment. Neal Alligood is the right man at the right time. He has the energy, passion, and Christian values that are needed to guide us a University to a full athletic program.”
Alligood was born and raised in Elizabeth City, NC. Neal attended Mid-Atlantic Christian University and graduated in 1998. He served MACU as an Admissions Counselor and then transitioned into part-time Athletic Director and Coach, as well as adjunct professor. Later he served as Campus Minister for Campus Christian Fellowship at NC State University in Raleigh. Most recently, Alligood was a staff member at LifeBridge Church outside of Atlanta, Georgia before returning to Elizabeth City.
Ken Greene, Vice President of Enrollment Services adds, “We see coach Alligood as a strategic facet to our athletic emphasis. This is a turning point for the institution as we focus on athletes desiring strong academics, core values and a collegiate opportunity to compete athletically. Our goal is to add a new athletic program each year. We will be launching Women’s Basketball next year in addition to Men’s Basketball and extensive intramural opportunities for men and women.”
Alligood states, “I am truly excited about being named AD/Coach here at MACU. This University has been a huge part of my life and has helped shape much of who I am today. My time at MACU in the late 90’s developed a deep love for sports, as I played both basketball and volleyball for the University and was hired in a PT role as AD and Coach. This position is a perfect blend of working in sports, impacting the lives of young people and doing so in the context of an institution that I love and desire to serve in a variety of ways.”
“A personal goal is not simply to build a basketball team, but instead to build a sports program,” states Alligood. He adds that, “This will include finding the right young men and women that deeply desire to be an integral part of this campus community. Young people who believe in what this University stands for as well as diligently delve into a degree program – seeking to be men and women of character that will transform into tremendous leaders in whatever field of study they choose. I also desire to see them become interested, involved and active Alumni when they move on from this place.”
MACU is currently a member of the Shenandoah & Chesapeake Athletic Conference. The university anticipates offering volleyball, soccer and additional sports offerings in the near future. The MACU Men’s Basketball team was division champions in 2008. The Women’s Volleyball team was division champions in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.
For information on becoming a student athlete at MACU, contact admissions at 866-996-MACU (toll free), 334-2028 (local), or admissions@macuniversity.edu.
Mid-Atlantic Christian University is accredited by The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (COC-SACS) to award certificates, associate, and baccalaureate degrees.
| Mid-Atlantic Christian University, a private, faith based, four year college is committed to equality of educational opportunity and will not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, disability, or prior military service. Federal guidelines (Sections 702-703 of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act) clearly recognize the right of church related institutions to seek personnel who will support the goals of the institution. Being a student or employee at Mid-Atlantic Christian University requires a commitment and lifestyle consistent with the institution’s mission and values. | Media Contact
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