Hattiesburg, Miss. – William Carey University athletic director DJ Pulley will be stepping down after six years at the helm of Crusaders athletics, WCU President Dr. Ben Burnett announced.

"Leading this athletic department for the last seven years has been an honor and privilege," said Pulley. "Each day I got to work alongside a group of coaches who are my family and friends. Our coaches give their heart and soul to their student-athletes day in and day out. To be a small part of their success, by being able to help my friends reach their goals will be something I will never forget."

Pulley began his journey at Carey in the fall of 2000 as a member of the WCU golf team. During his 20 years in college athletics, Pulley has served as a Graduate Assistant Coach, Sports Information Director, Head Men's Golf Coach, and Assistant Women's Basketball Coach before taking over the reigns as Athletic Director in 2016. 

During his time as Athletic Director, the Crusaders won their first NAIA Championships in 50 years when women's soccer captured the title in 2018. In 2020, Carey added another championship to the trophy case when men's indoor track & field brought home the title and Lina May winning the NAIA Individual National Championship at the women's cross country championships in 2022.

Pulley guided WCU to seven overall SSAC Commissioner's Cups, won 38 SSAC Championships, had 67 teams advance to NAIA national tournaments, and 15 team have earned NAIA Fab Four appearances. The Crusaders finished in the Top 10 in the Learfield Directors Cup in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023. Pulley was named SSAC Athletic Director of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2021.  In 2022 Pulley was named the Cushman & Wakefield NACAD-NAIA AD of the Year.

Dr. Burnett has announced that head women's basketball coach Tracy English will serve as the Interim Director of Athletics until a permanent replacement is found.