Dr. Bob Davies, President of Murray State University, announced that the Board of Regents approved his recommendation to extend the contracts of Director of Athletics Allen Ward, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Matt McMahon, and Head Women’s Golf Coach & Senior Woman Administrator Velvet Milkman.

“These are three key positions within the Department of Athletics and we are fortunate to have skilled and dedicated individuals serving the university”, said Davies.  “Athletics plays an important role in achieving the university’s mission and impacting our overall recruitment efforts.  And it’s because of the leadership of Director Ward and Head Coaches McMahon and Milkman that our athletics program continues to excel both academically and athletically.  This was evidenced recently when Murray State received the ‘OVC Sportsmanship Award.’  This proves that we not only do our programs win, but they do so the right way and that starts with the leadership exemplified by these three individuals.”

“I want to thank Dr. Davies and the Board of Regents for their continued confidence in me and for their support of intercollegiate athletics,” said Ward.  “It’s been a rewarding and successful 13 years and I’m incredibly fortunate to work with so many talented and dedicated individuals.  I remain fully committed to advancing Racer athletics with class and integrity so the university receives the full benefits of a very successful Division I athletics program.”

“I want to thank Director of Athletics Allen Ward and President Davies for their leadership and support of our program,” said McMahon. “I am incredibly appreciative of our talented players and outstanding coaching staff for their hard work, unselfishness, and commitment to winning.  Lastly, I would like to thank my family for their constant encouragement and belief.  We are very proud to call Murray, KY home and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to coach at Murray State University.”

“It is a privilege to serve as the women’s golf coach and SWA at Murray State University,” said Milkman. “I have been fortunate to coach many successful student athletes the past twenty five years.  I appreciate the confidence the administration has in me to continue to lead the program and I look forward to many more successful seasons.”

Ward’s & McMahon’s contract will now run through 2022 and Milkman’s contract thru 2021.