General | September 14, 2023

AIKEN, S.C. - USC Aiken Athletics has restructured and promoted staff to positions of strength in support of the standard of excellence expectation under the leadership of new Director of Athletics Todd Wilkinson. 

Wilkinson assumed the position of Director of Athletics on February 1, 2023, bringing over 40 years of experience in higher education as a coach, faculty member, and administrator. After arriving during a successful year that saw four teams make it to the NCAA championships, the fall 2023 season will be Wilkinson's first at USC Aiken. 

"During my first months on the job I wanted to evaluate by observation and information gathering, the attributes currently in place at the University of South Carolina Aiken to determine how Pacer Athletics can support the greater good," Wilkinson said. "Keeping at the forefront the greater good must be specific to the USC Aiken students that serve as our purpose for being. I have been pleased with the athletics team in place, the leadership of our staff, and the passion shown as we will recreate Pacer Athletics to deliver an exceptional student athlete experience built on winning each day. Exceptional culture driven collegiate athletics is relationship building and we must deliver the opportunity to play the game while also being intentional about student growth, life skills, well-being, and individual confidence during the journey towards graduation. A college degree can change the trajectory of a person's life and being part of an athletic family is a bonus. Pacer Athletics embraces the opportunity to be part of this process."

USC Aiken Division of Athletics Restructuring

The Department of Athletics will now be recognized as the Division of Athletics to align with the organizational structure of the University.

Tim Hall will change his title from Associate Athletic Director for Administration to Associate Athletic Director of Internal Operations - Compliance to better align with his shift in responsibilities. Hall is beginning his 33^rd year at USC Aiken and previously served as compliance coordinator for Pacer Athletics during this time. 

"Tim is the veteran on staff that helps us be successful in a multitude of ways," Wilkinson stated. "He will be a valuable compliance officer that will invest in academic progress and advising. His wealth of knowledge in all athletic areas is invaluable. His supervision and support of administrative staff within our division is important work. I am confident his support of our students and coaches will be outstanding. Tim will assume sport oversight of men's golf as a new duty as well."

Brennan Hand has been promoted from Business Manager to Assistant Athletic Director of Business Services. Hand is beginning his third year at USC Aiken. He will take on additional responsibilities in management and coordination of the Pacer Club with sport oversight of both men's and women's soccer programs. 

"Brennan has done an excellent job in his business management responsibilities and is ready for additional growth as a young professional," Wilkinson said. "Sport oversight is an additional layer of support to help our students and coaches as they navigate each season. I am excited to see how the Pacer Club grows under his leadership." 

Susan Hood has been promoted and reassigned duties as she will become the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Event Management. Previously Hood was the compliance coordinator and Senior Woman Administrator. She is beginning her third year at USC Aiken in athletic administration. Hood was a four-year standout softball student-athlete as a Pacer. 

"Susan is a valuable team member that did excellent work in compliance and as the SWA," Wilkinson stated. "Game operations and facilities will be in her wheelhouse as she is highly organized, attentive to detail, hardworking, and constantly seeking out ways to do things better. She is very talented, and I look forward to seeing her excel in this position of promotion."

Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Communications Brent Hager will add the responsibilities of managing and coordinating the Pacer Club. Hager is in his 11^th year at USC Aiken handling the publicity of all 10 teams to include game day, social media, and web site. 

"Brent does great work in publicizing our programs and his work ethic is tremendous," Wilkinson said. "He is always eager to invest in many areas of work and is a true grinder in making the Pacers better. We are fortunate to have Brent and his experience and passion on our team. His work with the Pacer Club is important as we continue to find ways to make Pacer Athletics better."  

Head softball coach Jaclin Poole will now serve Pacer Athletics as the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). Poole is beginning her fourth year leading the softball program.

"I am pleased Jaclin has a passion to serve on our administrative leadership team as the SWA," Wilkinson stated. "She has shown an interest in athletic administration and this role will support her growth as a professional. Assembling a diverse leadership support group to collaborate in our decision-making process towards growing our division makes us stronger. I am looking forward to Jaclin's contributions and leadership. She will be the co-chair with Deputy Director of Athletics Dexter Harris of our important student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC). "

"Providing support to the student athletes through this restructuring which includes the recent addition of an executive administrative position in Deputy Director of Athletics Dexter Harris will make Pacer Athletics better," Wilkinson said. "The University and the Aiken community offer a wealth of opportunities for Pacer Athletics to excel and advance. Athletics will be intentional about initiatives to support the University and bring great pride to our campus community while also being embraced as "Aiken's team." We are positioned well as the 2023-24 year begins and are ready to go! Go Pacers!"