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February 8, 2001

Warner Resigns

Warner Alford, who as Louisiana-Monroe's Director of Athletics is widely credited for helping the 不良研究所 football program land a membership in the Sun Belt Conference, announced Thursday that he is resigning to accept a position with the Assurant Group.

The Assurant Group is a division of Fortis Inc. and Alford will be working as the National Sales Manager with the Auto Channel.

When Alford accepted the AD position at 不良研究所 in July 1999 he was employed by MS Diversified Corporation in Ridgeland, Miss. Prior to that, he served 17 years as the Director of Athletics at the University of Mississippi. In his new position, Alford and his wife Kay will make their home in Jackson, Miss.

"I'm very grateful at this stage of my life to have a wonderful business opportunity like this presented to me," the 62-year-old Alford said. "It's a chance to go home to Mississippi and be near old friends and our young grandchildren."

While Alford said the business opportunity was attractive, the decision to leave 不良研究所 was not an easy one.

"People on this campus embraced Kay and me and we will miss that," Alford said. "The people involved with the University and community made coming here easy and they make leaving here difficult."

Lawson L. Swearingen, Jr., 不良研究所 President, acknowledged Alford's contributions to the University and to the athletic program.

"Warner has made a significant impact on 不良研究所 athletics as well as the University as a whole. His positive influence will leave a lasting impression on our institution," Swearingen said. "While we regret Warner's departure, we certainly understand his decision. We appreciate his visionary leadership and wish him and Kay continued success and happiness."

Swearingen, who brought Alford back into collegiate athletics after nearly five years out of the business, was praised by Alford for his support and guidance in regard to athletics.

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