DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson has hired Ricky Ray, an experienced leader in intercollegiate athletics at William & Mary, as the Hatters' new director of athletics, the university announced.

Ray, who has been the executive associate athletics director for external operations at the historic college in Williamsburg, Va., will start May 6.

He replaces Jeff Altier, who is retiring after 27 years as the Hatters' AD.

Ray will be introduced to the campus community at 2 p.m. Friday at the Lynn Presentation Room in the Marshall & Vera Lea Rinker Welcome Center. The public is invited to attend.

Stetson conducted a national search to select the person to lead its department of about 85 coaches and staff and more than 440 student-athletes on 18 teams, including its men's basketball program that recently played in its first NCAA Tournament.

“Obviously, the entire community saw what that kind of success can do for the institution as a whole,” Ray said. “Now is the time to build on that.”

Ray has more than 20 years of experience in intercollegiate and professional sports and a doctorate of education degree from Marshall University in West Virginia.

At William & Mary, Ray oversaw marketing, ticketing, creative services, communications and licensing for the college’s 23 NCAA Division I sports. He has set revenue records during his two years there and served as its interim chief financial officer.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ricky Ray as Stetson's athletics director,” Stetson President Christopher F. Roellke said in a statement. “An excellent fundraiser with considerable financial acumen, Ricky has accomplished so much in promoting student-athlete well-being, the fan experience and community engagement through athletics. I and the entire senior leadership team are looking forward to working with Ricky for years to come.”