Joe Griffin has been named the Director of Athletics at Indiana University East, the school announced July 22.

“We welcome Joe to Red Wolf Nation,” said IU East Chancellor Kathryn Cruz-Uribe. “Joe has a proven track record of success and growth at an NAIA institution. We are pleased to have someone with Joe’s level of expertise in so many areas leading our team at IU East as we continue the growth of our athletics program.”

Griffin comes to IU East from Simpson University, where he served as Athletic Director for the past seven years. Simpson is an NAIA program in Redding, California.

“IU East has had an excellent start in NAIA athletics,” Griffin said. “I want to continue that excellence and grow it even more. I look forward to building on what has been built already.”

Griffin oversaw the addition of six intercollegiate sports teams (four of them NAIA programs) at Simpson in a five-year span. The school increased its number of student-athletes by 100 during Griffin’s tenure, a 71 percent increase.

“Joe did a tremendous job in changing the landscape of our athletic department at Simpson University,” said Derrick Pringle, the assistant athletic director, women’s basketball coach and sports information director at Simpson. “He will be missed dearly, and we as an athletic department are excited for his new position at Indiana University East.”

Don Ott, commissioner of California Pacific Conference of which Simpson is a member, added, “Joe’s impact on the Cal Pac cannot be understated. He is a man of character, a terrific leader, an advocate for student-athletes, and a leader of coaches. I’m glad to also call him a good friend. IU East picked up a great man. We will miss him.”

Griffin was athletic director at Dallas Christian College and Atlanta Christian College (now Point University) prior to his time at Simpson.

Griffin has head coaching experience at the collegiate level in women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and golf. His 1999-2000 men’s basketball team at Atlanta Christian College won the NCCAA Division II national championship.

Griffin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Behavioral Science from Cedarville University. He earned a Master of Education in Physical Education with emphasis on Sports Management from Georgia State University.

Griffin already has ties to the Richmond area. Griffin’s wife, Carla, graduated from nearby National Trail High School (Ohio). Griffin was a men’s basketball assistant coach at Earlham College during the 1993-94 school year. He also worked for Preble County Educational Services during that school year.

“We’re looking forward to getting there and getting started,” Griffin said. “We’re excited and looking forward to being part of the Richmond and IU East community.”

Griffin will begin his duties at IU East on Aug. 18.

IU East teams have qualified for seven national tournaments and won nine league championships since joining the NAIA in 2007. IU East has been an NAIA Champions of Character Institution every year since joining the NAIA.