UAB ‘parts ways’ with athletic director Mark Ingram

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- UAB and its director of athletics, Mark Ingram, have decided to "part ways." UAB made the announcement Tuesday.

“It has been an honor to serve UAB Athletics for the past 11 years,” Ingram said in a statement. “I am proud of the accomplishments we achieved together and grateful for the relationships that made those successes possible. I wish everyone connected with UAB Athletics great success in the future. I leave with tremendous pride in what we accomplished together.”

UAB stated its leadership believes now is the time to position the athletics department for its next era of growth and opportunity.

“Mark has played an important role in the growth and evolution of UAB Athletics,” said UAB President Ray Watts in a statement. “During his tenure, UAB Athletics achieved significant milestones, including major facility investments, a successful transition to the American Conference, and continued support for our student-athletes and coaches. We are grateful for Mark’s dedication to UAB and the impact he has made over the past 11 years, and we wish him continued success in the years ahead.”

UAB head men's basketball coach Andy Kennedy will serve as the interim director of UAB Athletics. The university will start a national search for its next director of athletics.

“Our commitment to athletics has never been stronger,” Watts said. “We are excited about the future and focused on supporting our student-athletes, coaches and fans as we continue to build on UAB’s momentum. Success increasingly depends on an institution’s ability to adapt, innovate, strengthen community partnerships, engage supporters, and compete in a rapidly changing environment. UAB is committed to doing exactly that.”

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