Valparaiso University has named its first Black director of athletics. Dr. Charles Small will take over as athletic director July 1.
Small comes to Valparaiso from Iowa State University, where he serves as senior associate athletic director for student services. He also served as its interim vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion last fall. He was a Division 1 basketball player at the University of Pittsburgh.
In a statement from Valparaiso University, Small said he looks forward to helping "Valpo student-athletes flourish holistically" and that the school's "legacy of preparing students to lead and serve in both church and society" aligns with his core values.