John Barrett Resigns as Athletic Director at Life University

Life University’s athletic director is stepping aside after nearly 20 years at the position, the school announced Monday.

John Barrett, who was tapped by Life University President Dr. Guy F. Riekeman to rebuild the school’s athletics program, is relinquishing his post in a move he said he had planned since he accepted the role in 2007.

“When Dr. Riekeman approached me about restarting the program, my vision was to restore Life U to prominence in the NAIA in multiple sports,” Barrett said in a statement. ”I feel like we have done that through the dedication of so many of our
coaches, staff and student-athletes...Now that we have achieved that vision, the time is right for me to step down and make way for the next person.”

Barrett’s successor is Associate Athletic Director Bill Firnbach, who has been Barrett’s right hand man in the department for seven years. Firnbach assumed Barrett’s duties immediately upon Barrett’s resignation.

Although Barrett is leaving the post of athletic director, he will remain at Life University as the school’s basketball coach. The Running Eagles under Barrett’s tutelage have won three conference championships and earned a bid to the NAIA National Championship Tournament every year since 1991, when he became coach.

Barrett will also take on an additional role in the president’s office at the request of Riekeman.

Photo Credit: Life University