Like much of America, George Bright watched with admiration as Bethune-Cookman University made its unprecedented decision to hire NBA legend Reggie Theus as its Director of Athletics and its Men’s Basketball Coach, shining a national spotlight on a historic university with a distinctive mission. When the chance to assist AD Theus with Bethune-Cookman’s ascendant athletics program became available, Bright knew right away it was something special, and he wanted to be a part of it. Theus named the veteran leader with 30 years of progressive leadership experience at Division I, II and III programs to be the next Deputy Director of Athletics at Bethune-Cookman University.
"I am honored and grateful to serve Bethune-Cookman University as the next Deputy Director of Athletics," Bright said. "I want to graciously thank Athletic Director Reggie Theus for this outstanding opportunity. "B-CU is committed to building a championship culture and providing a quality academic and athletic experience for its student athletes. I look forward to helping AD Theus advance the efficiency, competitiveness and effectiveness of B-CU Athletics, collaborating with coaches, colleagues and initiatives across campus and in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and becoming thoroughly immersed in the Daytona Beach community."
Bright, known and well respected across the NCAA, brings athletics leadership experience in every aspect serving as a great ambassador to the campus, stakeholders and community at each step in his career. Bright is an engaged, passionate champion for student-athlete success on the court and field, in the classroom, and in preparation for life.
Bright comes to Bethune-Cookman University from Elizabeth City State University of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), where he has served as Director of Athletics since 2018. Previously, he was the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Moravian University from 2015 to 2017, and the Associate Director of Athletics at Lafayette College from 1993 to 2015. Bright also worked at East Stroudsburg University as an adjunct instructor of Sport Management, at South Carolina State University as the University Ticket Office Manager as well as the Executive Director of the S.T.A.T.E. Club.
Throughout his career Bright has served extensively in conference and NCAA roles, and was recently appointed to the NCAA Division I Nominating Committee. He served as chair of the Athletics Directors Association, Vice President of Management Council for the CIAA, and served as a member of the NCAA Division II Nominating Committee.
Bright was one of 24 athletic administrators selected nationally as the inaugural class for the NCAA Leadership Institute. Bright also completed the Sports Management Institute Executive Program at Notre Dame and the University of South Carolina. He is also a former member of the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee.
Bright earned his undergraduate degree from Claflin University, a masters degree from South Carolina State University, and has hours towards his doctoral degree from East Stroudsburg University. Bright is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Bright and his wife, Sharon, have two adult children, George II and Tara. George II, a Naval Academy grad, is a Commander in the United States Navy. Tara, who attended East Carolina University as an undergrad and Syracuse University for law school, is an attorney in New York City.
