Ball State has appointed Ken Brown as its interim director of intercollegiate athletics.

Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora announced Nov. 3 that Brown will lead the department until a permanent successor is found to replace Bubba Cunningham, who has been hired as athletic director by the University of Tulsa. Cunningham's last day at Ball State is Nov. 10. Brown begins his interim duties the following day.

Brown, 51, joined Ball State in 1991 as director of business services and in 2003 was elevated to associate athletic director/business services.

"Ken Brown's experience within our athletics department prepares him well for the challenges he will face over the next few months," Gora said. "Administration is truly the ultimate team sport, and with everyone working together, we can move the program forward."

Gora said in addition to day-to-day budget and personnel issues, Brown will immediately address several projects, including the football stadium renovation and the 2006 football schedule.

"I am pleased that I'll be able to continue working with the loyal and talented staff and coaches that we have here at Ball State," Brown said. "We have challenges to address, but by working together as a team, I am positive that we will accomplish our goals."

Brown began his career in athletic administration in 1982 as the ticket manager for the Louisville Redbirds, a minor league baseball team. From 1983-91, he was the director of ticket operations at the University of North Carolina. He received his bachelor's degree from Eastern Kentucky University and earned master's degrees from Xavier and Ohio universities.

Ball State has started a national search to hire a permanent athletic director with a goal of filling the vacancy in early 2006.

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Brown at klbrown@bsu.edu or (765) 285-8483. More information about Ball State athletics may be found at www.ballstatesports.com.)