General | 12/3/2024 2:04:00 PM

Dover, Del. — This morning, Delaware State University announced that Dr. Alecia Shields Gadson will step down as the University's athletic director to pursue new opportunities at the end of the year. Gadson was appointed to lead the University's Athletics programs in August 2021, following more than 20 years of experience in college athletics as a senior-level administrator and head coach.
She was previously the Deputy AD and was initially hired in 2016 as senior associate director of athletics for compliance and senior women's administrator. "I want to thank Dr. Shields-Gadson for all her hard work to strengthen Delaware State University's athletics programs during her time as AD," said Dr. Irene Hawkins, Executive Vice President of Delaware State University. "Her knowledge, deep experience in intercollegiate athletics, and respect around the country have been a real asset to our student-athletes and the entire University community." DelawareOnline recognized Shields-Gadson as one of the "Most Influential Leaders in Delaware.
During her tenure at the University, Shields-Gadson was at the forefront of securing affiliate conference memberships for women's sports. Throughout her career, she has received a host of MEAC conferences and NCAA acknowledgments. She is currently on the NCAA Division 1 Council and is the former chair of the NCAA Minorities and Opportunities Committee and the Men's and Women's Track & Field Committee. She also chairs the MEAC Championship Administrative Committee.
Before joining Delaware State University, Shields-Gadson was an athletics administrator and coach at Coppin State University and Alcorn State University. A Southern University and A&M College graduate, Shields-Gadson had previously been an outstanding track and field champion and team captain. As head coach of men's and women's track at Alcorn, Shields-Gadson led the program to the first-ever conference championship in school history and was named Coach of the Year several times.
Shields-Gadson will be replaced by Senior Associate Vice President for Athletics and Wellness Recreation Charles A. "Tony" Tucker, a Delaware native. In addition to his current responsibilities, Tucker will also assume the athletic director role when Shields-Gadson steps down in January. Additionally, on Tuesday, Delaware State University announced that head football coach Lee Hull will not return to lead the program for the 2025 season. The University has already launched a nationwide search for Hull's replacement. In Hull's two seasons as head football coach, Delaware State University has posted a 2-21 record (0-10 MEAC). "We appreciate Coach Hull's dedication to the football program and the student-athletes at DSU, and wish him well in all future endeavors," said Hawkins.