Kelley had served as the College’s Interim Director of Athletics since the June 30 departure of Terry Garner, who had manned the school’s Athletic Director post for the past 26 years.

"It's a real pleasure to announce Kirk Kelley as our new Athletic Director," Roettger said. "This is a win-win for our athletic program and we all look forward to his leadership."

For the past 15 years, Kelley has amassed 467 victories as Lyon’s head baseball coach and for the last three years, he has served as the College’s Assistant Director of Athletics. He is expected to continue his role as head baseball coach while serving as Director of Athletics.

"Kirk brings to the position of athletic director the experience of a seasoned coach and the administrative experience gained during his time as assistant athletic director," said Dr. John Peek, Vice President for Academic Services and Dean of Faculty. "No less important is his holistic philosophy that unites student success on the field with success in the classroom. Thus, I am confident that Kirk will lead with distinction while advancing our efforts in the areas of varsity athletics, intramural sports and physical education."

Kelley gave a nod of gratitude to his mentor, Garner, and thanked the Lyon College administration for his appointment.

"I’ll be the No. 1 guy to step up and say that I hate to see Coach Garner leave," Kelley said. "He was a really important part of our program and all I can hope to do is continue what he started. We’ve got a great staff of coaches, so I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition and I’m looking forward to the fun times ahead for our program."

A Sarasota, Fla., native and a 1988 graduate of St. Mary of the Plains College (Kan.), Kelley played collegiate baseball at both the University of Oklahoma and St. Mary of the Plains. He received his Master’s Degree in education from Northwest Missouri State in 1990.