Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns Name New Athletic Director

Walker replaces Nelson Schexnayder, the previous director of the Ragin' Cajuns athletics program, who resigned in 2005. Walker had been splitting time between the jobs of interim athletic director and director of Axillary Services for the campus before being tapped as Schexnayder's permanent replacement.

According to ULL President Ray Authement, Walker is a "veteran" when it comes to negotiations and funding, which Authement says are the two most important functions of an athletic director.

Recently, Walker and Authement worked together to develop a revised state funding formula which was later passed by the state Board of Regents. The revised formula allows more of the operating budget of a state university to go towards athletics by repealing restrictions placed on universities during the 1980s oil bust.

"This is a significant step in helping to put our athletic program on an even field with other Division I programs," Walker stated. "These changes will give us the ability to provide the resources our programs need to be competitive.

Speaking of the rules he helped to repeal, Walker said he is "still amazed at what Dr. Authement and Nelson Schexnayder were able to accomplish with the restrictions placed on them by the old policy.

"As I have become familiar with other athletic programs around the country, I have come to appreciate how very fortunate we are to have a president, a supporter, and a fan like Dr. Authement.

"I appreciate the confidence he has shown in me by this appointment," he added.

Walker was chosen by a search committee made up of business leaders from around the state, as well as university officials.

"David Walker has demonstrated his ability to make the most of every opportunity while gaining the respect of the coaching staff, the Sun Belt Conference and fans," said Hunter Trahan, the head of the search committee.

"He was the ideal choice for this position."

Walker has been a part of the ULL administration for nearly 30 years, and is an alumnus of the school.

As athletic director for the Ragin' Cajuns, Walker will be responsible for the athletic budget, as well as contract negotiations, game schedules, ticket prices, the management of athletic facilities, and NCAA rules compliance. He will also be in charge of donor and fan relations.