Carlton will step down after six years as AD to become professor of systems engineering and operations research at the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, Ga., where he also will serve as senior advisor for athletic planning.

A 1976 graduate of PC, Carlton's tenure as athletics director will be remembered for growth in the sports program. Carlton was instrumental in expanding women's athletics - but will chiefly be remembered for his leadership in taking the college from NCAA Division II to Division I athletics.

 "I have done my best to respond to the charge given me by Dr. Griffith and the Board of Trustees to undertake the transition from NCAA Division II to Division I," he said. "It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve my alma mater in this capacity and I will be forever grateful for this opportunity."

Griffith credited Carlton for his success in leading PC through a vital chapter in its history.

"Bee conceptualized, designed, and implemented the plan to move our athletic program to Division I and membership in the Big South Athletic Conference," he said. "By any measure, this move has progressed as planned and will be completed as planned and will be completed with the submission this spring of an NCAA self-study and final action taken by the NCAA in 2010."

Carlton came to PC from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where for six years he served as the director of systems engineering and operations research academic programs. He also acted as the primary liaison between coaches and the academic and athletic administrations for the execution of athletic programs. His duties included competition coordination and ensuring that the academy's student-athletes met university and NCAA eligibility standards.

From 1997-2002, Carlton served as the head officer representative to the Army sprint football team and is the former assistant officer representative to the NCAA Division I Army football team. He maintained close contact with student-athletes as the officer-in-charge of the U.S. Military Academy Fellowship of Christian Athletes, coordinating, supervising, and leading weekly devotionals, small group Bible studies, and Christian activities.

As a student, Carlton was captain of the Blue Hose football team during his senior season. A three-year lettermen, he was the first All-South Atlantic Conference player from PC. In addition to his military credentials and PC degree, Carlton holds a master's degree in operations research from Georgia Tech and a Ph.D. in operations research from the University of Texas at Austin.

Mike Smith, associate director of athletics, has been appointed interim director and will serve until a successor is hired. Griffith said he will initiate a national search for a gifted administrator to lead the Blue Hose athletic program.