Dr. Jerome Fitch has been named interim director of athletics for Benedict College, announced Dr. Rosyln Clark Artis, President of Benedict College.
Dr. Fitch is a long-time leader in collegiate athletics, with more than 50 years of experience, with the majority of that time working at HBCUs. He brings a wealth of knowledge in athletic administration and will oversee the athletic department during the transition to a new Director of Athletics.
“Dr. Fitch brings extensive experience, and we are confident in his ability to provide steady leadership for our athletic programs during this time,” said Dr. Artis. “Dr. Fitch’s expertise and reach have touched some of the finest athletic programs in our region, and he now offers Benedict College that same depth of experience and a genuine willingness to serve.”
“I am grateful to be here at Benedict College, which I have felt is an outstanding HBCU with outstanding possibilities,” Dr. Fitch said. “I hope to continue their great athletic program.”
Most recently, he has been serving as a part-time compliance consultant for the Benedict athletic department since July and is already familiar with the staff and administrators in the department.
Dr. Fitch retired in 2020 from Claflin University, after serving as Director of Athletics for nine years and as Director of Compliance for three years. During his tenure, the Panthers transitioned from NAIA to NCAA, and later changed from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
He also served as Interim Director of Athletics at Allen University six years ago, where he helped the Yellow Jackets in their transition from NAIA to NCAA.
Prior to Claflin, he served as athletics director at Alabama A&M University, where he was instrumental in the completion of the construction of a new football stadium and rectified compliance issues with multiple sports. As athletics director at Savannah State University, his fundraising efforts eliminated $197,000 in debt.
He started his career as assistant athletics director, sports information director and assistant basketball coach at North Carolina Central University in 1972, where he coached under Boston Celtics great Sam Jones. He went on to be the head men’s basketball coach at Johnson C. Smith University, Voorhees College and Livingstone College. Fitch was also the head coach of the women’s basketball team at Elizabeth City State University. He also worked for nearly eight years as an academic adviser within the University of South Carolina’s athletics department.
Dr. Fitch has a Doctor of Education degree from South Carolina State University and a Master of Education degree from North Carolina Central University. He also received his Bachelor’s Degree from North Carolina Central.