INSTITUTE, W.Va. – Following a national search, West Virginia State University (WVSU) has named David Hicks as its new athletic director.
With more than 25 years of experience in collegiate athletics administration and a proven record of elevating programs both academically and competitively, Hicks joins WVSU from King University, where he most recently served as vice president for athletics. He will oversee a Yellow Jackets athletic department that fields 15 varsity teams.
“I am happy to welcome David Hicks to the Yellow Jacket Nation as West Virginia State University’s new athletic director,” said WVSU President Ericke S. Cage. “Athletics is an important part of West Virginia State University, and I know that under David’s direction, we will reach new heights for our student-athletes both on the field of competition and in the classroom.”
Hicks brings a wealth of expertise from his tenure at King University (2011–2025), where he managed a $2.9 million budget, supervised 38 full-time coaches and staff, and oversaw the addition of five new varsity sports: women’s flag football, acrobatics and tumbling, bass fishing, women’s triathlon, and esports. Under his leadership, King University reinstated its athletic hall of fame, inducted 44 new members, and achieved a student-athlete GPA above 3.0 for 13 consecutive years. He also led a 300% increase in athletic contributions through the Tornado Athletic Club and secured three NCAA grants to enhance programming and inclusion.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead Yellow Jacket Athletics—building on a strong foundation and tradition—with clear goals to enhance the student-athlete experience and elevate the championship culture,” Hicks said. “I would like to thank President Cage and [incoming Vice President for University Advancement] Trey Jones for this opportunity to lead one of the premier athletic programs in the Mountain East Conference.”
Prior to his time at King University, Hicks spent 13 years at Rhodes College as assistant athletic director for facilities and head softball coach. There, he revitalized the softball program, leading it to four conference tournament appearances in six seasons and a runner-up finish in 2009. He also set school records for wins (29 in 2009) and regular-season wins (27 in 2010), while maintaining team GPAs above 3.4. Additionally, he managed a $200,000 student employee budget, coordinated more than $2 million in facility renovations, and served as tournament director for multiple NCAA Division II national championships.
“I want to thank the Search Committee and Kurt Patberg of Mammoth Sports Consulting for their leadership, insight and vision throughout this important search process,” Jones said. “The hiring of David Hicks marks a meaningful return for him to his home state and further positions WVSU Athletics for continued success.”
Hicks has extensive experience in NCAA compliance, including annual Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act and financial reporting, Title IX collaboration, and regulatory advisory roles. He has chaired the Conference Carolinas Championships Committee and served on the NCAA Division II Management Council.
His faculty engagement initiatives—such as the Faculty Associates program at King—strengthened academic-athletic partnerships. His leadership in fundraising and promotion of staff involvement in the Tornado Athletic Club further underscores his commitment to community-driven success.
About WVSU Athletics
WVSU Athletics competes at the NCAA Division II Level and is a founding member of the Mountain East Conference. Follow WVSU Athletics on Facebook (@wvsuathletics), Instagram (@wvsuathletics), and X (@wvsu_gojackets).