Jeffrey P. Long, director of athletics at Eastern Kentucky University since 1998, has announced his resignation to become senior associate director of athletics at the University of Oklahoma.

Long will assume his new duties Jan. 3.

"It is with mixed emotions that I announce my resignation from Eastern Kentucky University," Long said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to work with President (Bob) Kustra, the coaches and athletics staff and our student-athletes, and I appreciate the support we have received from the entire University community. I am very proud of our student-athletes, who work extremely hard in the pursuit of both their academic goals and their athletic objectives. I wish them continued success.

"This has been a difficult decision for my family and me. We have been warmly welcomed in the University and Richmond communities and made to feel very much at home," Long said. "However, we have come to recognize that this decision is in the best interests of our family and our future.

"We are excited about the challenges that await us in Oklahoma."

Prior to joining EKU, Long served as associate director of athletics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, held several progressively responsible positions in athletics administration at the University of Michigan, and held coaching and administrative positions at Rice University, Duke University, and North Carolina State University.

"I would like to join the entire Eastern Kentucky University family in wishing Jeff Long the very best as he assumes his new position at the University of Oklahoma," said EKU President Bob Kustra. "We have been fortunate at EKU to have someone of Jeff's leadership abilities directing our athletics program.

"Jeff is responsible for refocusing the University on an athletics program that reaches for excellence in all that it does and that is funded in a competitive fashion," Dr. Kustra continued. "I intend to search for a successor who can build on the foundation Jeff has provided and offer the highest quality athletic programming for our student-athletes, our campus and community and for our alumni."