JACKSON, Miss. – Millsaps College today announced that Aaron Pelch has been appointed the Interim Director of Athletics and Recreation effective January 1, 2019. Pelch, who will continue to serve as the head football coach, succeeds Donnie Brooks who is leaving to join Macalaster College in St. Paul, Minnesota as their Director of Athletics. 

"The college community is grateful to Aaron for enthusiastically accepting this challenge," said Vice President and Senior Dean for Student Life Brit Katz. "His special combination of numerous years of leadership and service in Millsaps athletics, including his notable successes in student recruitment, brought his talents to the forefront, Katz continued. "He has invaluable insights into numerous future initiatives that include: student mentoring, student retention, the Athletics' Master Plan and fundraising. Aaron and I extend special gratitude to outgoing Director Donnie Brooks for actively aiding the current transition period." 

Pelch succeeded Mike Dubose as the head football coach at Millsaps prior to the 2010 season. Under his guidance the Majors swept both the offensive and defensive player of the year awards during the first two seasons of the Southern Athletic Association (SAA). Pelch himself was named SAA Coach of the Year in both 2012 and 2013 as he guided the Majors to a pair of conference championships.

This past season, the Majors finished with a 5-5 mark overall, and saw 11 different players earn all-conference recognition from the SAA. 

"I am excited about the opportunity to continue the work of advancing our department based on the foundation laid by both Josh Brooks and Donnie Brooks," said Pelch. "With the coaches and staff that the department has in place the future of Millsaps athletics has never been brighter."