TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – An introductory press conference was held Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. at the Dunlap Champions Club at Doak Campbell Stadium to formally introduce new Florida State Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeff Purinton. He was officially announced Monday as FSU’s new athletic director.
Noles247 will provide updates from the press conference in the comments section of this article. The full video of the press conference and more are available below.
Below is the official release from FSU announcing Purinton’s hiring:
Jeff Purinton, a veteran and highly respected athletic administrator who began his career with Seminole Athletics more than 30 years ago, is returning to his alma mater as vice president and director of athletics, Florida State University President Richard McCullough announced today.
Purinton brings extensive experience in collegiate athletic leadership, having held senior administrative positions at the University of Alabama and serving as vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics at Arkansas State University. A double graduate of FSU, Purinton’s career also includes significant experience in sports communications, marketing, multimedia rights and revenue development.
For Purinton, the appointment marks a return to the university where he began his professional career and developed relationships with some of the most influential figures in Florida State athletics history.
“Jeff Purinton has the experience, judgment and championship pedigree to lead Florida State Athletics at this important time,” McCullough said. “As a dual FSU graduate and former athletic department employee, Jeff has a deep understanding of Florida State, our culture and the expectations of representing this university. Jeff developed his extensive leadership experience overseeing football operations at Nick Saban’s championship program at Alabama. I am incredibly excited to welcome Jeff home to Florida State.”
Purinton’s history with Florida State began in 1994, when he joined the athletic communications office as an undergraduate. He later served as a graduate assistant, assistant sports information director and director of football communications, working closely with legendary coaches Bowden and Mike Martin during one of the most successful eras in Seminole Athletics history.
During his time at FSU, Purinton made 12 football bowl appearances, including the Seminoles’ 1999 national championship season, which resulted in a victory over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl. He also worked with Florida State baseball during its College World Series appearances in 1999 and 2000 and played a pivotal role in promoting quarterback Chris Weinke’s successful 2000 Heisman Trophy campaign.
“Florida State is committed to competing at the highest level, and Jeff Purinton understands what that requires,” said FSU Board of Trustees Chairman Peter Collins. “He knows this university, he knows the culture of Seminole Athletics and he has spent his career working and leading great athletics organizations. Jeff brings the experience, relationships and competitive spirit we need as the landscape of college athletics continues to change. His latest work with Learfield, generating multimedia rights revenue for SEC teams, is also invaluable as we look to reshape our department. The Board of Trustees has immense confidence in the selection of the president McCullough and we believe Jeff is the right leader to help shape the next era of Florida State athletics.”
After leaving Florida State in 2006, Purinton worked with the Orange Bowl committee before joining the University of Alabama, where he spent 15 years and became associate executive director of athletics. During a period of extraordinary success for Alabama Athletics, including the football program’s championship run under head coach Nick Saban, he took on increasingly significant responsibilities involving department administration, external operations, communications, marketing and multimedia partnerships.
Purinton later became vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics at Arkansas State, where he gained experience overseeing a Division I athletics department. Most recently, he served in a senior management role at Learfield, expanding his experience in college sports business and business operations.
“I want to express my deep gratitude and thanks to President Richard McCullough and BOT Chairman Peter Collins for placing their trust and confidence in me to lead Florida State Athletics,” Purinton said. “Florida State is my home in many ways. It’s where I went to school, where I got my start in this profession and where I learned from people who helped shape the way I approached my career. I was fortunate to work with Coach Bowden, Coach Martin and Coach Saban. The lessons I learned from them about leadership, relationships and representing an institution have stayed with me.
“Returning to lead this athletic department is a tremendous honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I know how much Florida State means to our alumni, our fans and everyone who has been a part of this program. I also know how much work goes into meeting the expectations that come with wearing the garnet and gold. I am excited to get started, listen, build relationships and work with our coaches, student-athletes, staff and supporters to move forward Florida State Athletics.”
Purinton earned his bachelor’s degree in sports management in 1997 and his master’s degree in sports administration in 2006, both from Florida State.
Originally from Palatka, Florida, Purinton and his wife Julie have two daughters, Jillian and Josie.
“Jeff has always set a great example through his work ethic, character and discipline. He is a steady leader who knows how to build relationships, inspire people and bring out the best in others. He has a vision of what is best for people in an organization and knows how to create an environment in which they can succeed. He understands the challenges of today’s college sports landscape, while also having a clear appreciation of the unique culture, traditions and expectations of Florida State. I am confident that his leadership qualities, combined with his experience and understanding of Florida State University, will help him build a culture of success – Nick Saban, 7-time national champion.
“I have known Jeff for 30 years, since the day I first met him at Florida State, and I have always been impressed by his work ethic and the way he approaches every challenge. makes Florida State special. He will work tirelessly to build an athletics department that Seminoles everywhere can be proud of, with a clear vision and plan for lasting success. Jeff is the perfect fit for Florida State right now, and I couldn’t be more excited for him, Julie, Jillian and Josie as they return to Tallahassee for this next chapter. – Chris Weinke, 1999 national champion and 2000 Heisman Trophy winner
“I can’t think of a better recruit for Florida State than Jeff Purinton. He is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success, and we couldn’t be happier for him, Julie and the girls. What makes this even more special is that Jeff is returning to his alma mater and leading the athletics program at a university that played such an important role in his own journey. There is something truly meaningful about returning to a place that helped shape you and have the opportunity to give back in such a meaningful way. Jeff has the experience, relationships and leadership skills to make a lasting impact, and I am confident he will do an exceptional job leading Florida State Athletics. – Greg Byrne, Alabama Director of Athletics.
“Congratulations to Jeff, Julie and the entire Purinton family. Florida State has hired a great leader and an even better person. Jeff’s experience, work ethic and ability to build strong working relationships will serve the Seminoles well. He understands what it takes to support coaches and student-athletes, compete for championships and lead an athletics department through change and opportunity. I am confident he will meet the challenges ahead and have a lasting impact in Tallahassee.” – J Batt, Kentucky Athletic Director and CEO of Champions Blue, LLC
“Jeff Purinton is an exceptional recruit for his alma mater. He has provided strong leadership for Arkansas State Athletics, positioning the department for success during a period of rapid change. Jeff has recruited exceptional coaches and, most importantly, has always kept student-athletes and their success – on and off the fields and courts of play – at the center of his leadership. He possesses a rare combination of experience, personality, relatability and humility. These qualities will serve him well. as he leads Seminole Athletics towards a bright future.” – Dr. Chuck Welch, former president of the Arkansas State University System and president and CEO of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities
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