KINGSVILLE, TX -- Kenneth Oliver, athletic director at Texas A&M University-Kingsville since 2009, has announced his resignation effective June 15. Oliver will become Vice President for Institutional Growth and Student Engagement at Central Methodist University in Fayetteville, Missouri.

"I want to thank President Tallant, the coaches, athletic staff, community of Kingsville and the entire Javelina Nation for allowing me to be a part of the Javelina Family,” Oliver said. "Over the last three years we have accomplished a lot and we have moved Javelina Athletics to the next level, and we as a department have worked together to make this happen.”

Scott Gines, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, said, “Javelina Athletics has definitely benefitted from Ken’s leadership. He is an excellent business strategist and has moved our athletics department forward particularly in terms of fund raising and creating efficiencies. We wish him well in his new position.”

Most recently, Oliver has led the department in winning the Lone Star Conference Best Community Engagement Award of Excellence (for third straight year), Best Game Day Environment Award (second time) and the second highest NCAA D-II Make-A-Wish dollars raised in the nation (over $8,000 in 2011) with more than $9,000 already raised for 2012. He has increased the female participation by over 7 percent and increased female scholarships by over 11 percent, and improved the student-athlete retention rate by 12 percent. This year, four Javelina teams have been nationally ranked.

Dr. Steven H. Tallant, President of Texas A&M-Kingsville, said, “Ken came into our well-established, well-loved athletics program and made it even stronger. Our program has greater exposure and enjoys increased support because of his efforts, and our teams continue to increase their community service along with their athletic records.”

Oliver said the choice to leave was difficult, but he knows the program will continue to grow and succeed. “The Javelinas are set for the future with the current coaching staff, athletic administration and the current facilities improvements that includes a new field, track, and entrance and gift shop at Javelina Stadium. I look for the Javelinas to be on top for many years to come. Javelina Nation is truly a place that I will remember forever. Remember every day is game day in Javelina Nation,” he said.

Gines said a search to replace Oliver will begin immediately. He hopes to have a new athletic director on board this summer.