Jason Dougherty Named Ohio Valley University Interim Athletic Director

Ohio Valley University recently named Jason Dougherty Interim Athletic Director, but the search for a permanent person to fill the role continues. Dougherty replaces Larry Lyons, who will stay on with the institution taking on a role in fundraising for the athletic department. "When asked to come back temporally as A.D., I was honored to help OVU in any way I could”, says Lyons.

“Larry has done an absolutely outstanding job in his short time.”, says OVU president Michael Ross. “He is, in the truest sense, a Fighting Scot for life.” Dougherty was a logical choice for the position due to his long history at OVU as a student, coach, Dean of Students and a professor.

After a standout high school basketball career at Williamstown High School, Jason decided to continue his education at OVU. During his college student experience, he played on the OVU Men’s basketball and baseball teams. Upon completion of grad school, Dougherty returned to the Mid-Ohio Valley and the OVU campus to fill the position of Campus Minister. It was at that time he also became the assistant coach of the OVU Women’s Basketball team. Along the way, the versatile Dougherty has also held the positions of Dean of Students and Associate Professor of Bible and Humanities. In 2004, he was asked to replace the Women’s Basketball coach. Ron Pavan gave up the position so that he could put his full efforts into being Athletic Director at that time. Dougherty looks at this prospect as a ‘full-circle’ situation.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to provide leadership in an area that impacted me as a student-athlete”, Dougherty says. “I’ve also had the chance to coach players here at the institution. One of the most important relationships that a student-athlete can have during their time at OVU is with their coach. We have the great potential in helping shape who they are becoming as people. I’m looking forward to leading that mission.”