Dr. David Ponton was named GSU Athletic Director wednesday afternoon. GSU Athletics/Courtesy photo
Grambling State University President Rick Gallot announced that Dr. David “Rusty” Ponton, will now lead the GSU athletic department and was named Athletic Director.
“Dr. Ponton has demonstrated a proven dedication to all parts of our student experience for more than 25 years,” said President Gallot. “ We are grateful for his service and willingness to continue innovating for our students.”
Dr. Ponton began his work at Grambling State in 1988 as an assisstant men’s basketball coach.
During his tenure, he has alsoserved as the head women’s basketball coach, director of the Favrot Student Union, dean of student activities, dean of student, and associate vice president for student affairs.
In 2016, Dr. Ponton was appointed as vice president for student affairs for the University.
In addition to his higher education work, he has also worked in marketing and engineering for Fortune 1000 companies that include Shell Oil.
Dr. Ponton athletics higher education leadership experience began as a student at Southern University where as a student-athlete where he played point-guard.
His athletics leadership also includes service as the Team USA Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach for the R. Williams Jones Cup Team and the assistant basketball coach for the gold medal-winning Men’s R. Williams Jones Cup Team for USA Basketball.
Effective January 1, 2019, Dr. Ponton will take over athletics responsibilities for the University’s current Athletic Director Paul Bryant whose contract term will end by mutual agreement on December 31, 2018.
“We are grateful to Mr. Bryant for all of his hard work and wish him the best in what we know will be an exciting next stepin his career,” said President Gallot.
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