Lindsey Babcock Named Commissioner of the South Atlantic Conference

May 19, 2026

Rock Hill, S.C. — The South Atlantic Conference proudly announces the appointment of Lindsey K. Babcock as its next Commissioner, ushering in a new era of visionary leadership, competitive excellence, and a deep-rooted commitment to student-athlete success.

Babcock brings more than 25 years of distinguished experience in collegiate athletics administration at the NCAA Division I and conference levels. Most recently serving as Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at Wake Forest University, Babcock has been a driving force behind strategic growth, operational excellence, and an elevated student-athlete experience. Her leadership style is collaborative, forward-thinking, and purposeful - making a lasting impact across every program she has touched.

A nationally respected leader throughout intercollegiate athletics, Babcock combines her extensive expertise in governance, compliance, sport administration, and strategic planning, with a true dedication to student-athlete development. Babcock has built a career centered on elevating athletic programs while maintaining a steadfast commitment to academic achievement and institutional integrity across an ever-evolving landscape of college athletics.

"Lindsey Babcock's breadth of experience at both the institutional and conference level makes her uniquely prepared to lead the South Atlantic Conference during a transformative time in collegiate athletics," said Tony Floyd, President of Mars Hill University and SAC Presidents' Council Chair. "Her integrity, professionalism, and passion for the student-athlete experience stood out throughout the search process, and we are excited about the energy and perspective she will bring to the SAC."

At Wake Forest, Babcock played a central role in the leadership of a Power-4 athletic department, supporting 18 NCAA Division I programs and approximately 425 student-athletes while helping guide the Demon Deacons through a period of sustained competitive and academic success. During her tenure, Wake Forest captured two NCAA National Championships, seven ACC Championships, and made multiple postseason appearances, all while maintaining an elite academic performance, highlighted by a 96 percent Graduation Success Rate over the past four years.

Babcock was instrumental in driving numerous initiatives at Wake Forest, including the modernization of sports medicine operations, implementation of NIL strategies, and advancement of student-athlete support services. She played a key role in advancing the department's long-term vision, and her impact extended beyond athletics, as she served on several University-wide committees and panels focused on enhancing the overall student experience. Among those efforts, her support of the spirit and band programs underscored her commitment to an elevated game-day environment and complete campus alignment. Babcock also served as the primary sport administrator for football, men's basketball, and men's soccer, which all had notable postseason runs during her tenure.

Prior to Wake Forest, Babcock spent eight years at Kansas State University as Executive Associate Athletic Director, where she contributed to strategic planning, facility development, compliance oversight, and the launch of the university's varsity women's soccer program.

Her background also includes eight years with the Atlantic Coast Conference as Assistant Commissioner for Compliance and Governance, where she served as a key liaison between member institutions and the NCAA on legislative, compliance, and governance matters.

"I am honored and excited to join the South Atlantic Conference and its outstanding member institutions," Babcock said. "The SAC has a strong tradition of competitive excellence, shared values, and a deep commitment to the student-athlete experience. I'm grateful to the search committee, especially co-chairs Dr. Rhett Brown and Dr. David P. Nelson, for their confidence and support throughout this process. I also want to thank Commissioner Patrick Britz for his leadership and stewardship of the conference over the past 18 years. I look forward to working alongside our presidents, campus leaders, coaches, administrators, and student-athletes to build upon that strong foundation and help position the conference for continued success in the years ahead."

A former student-athlete in basketball and softball at Elmira College, Babcock earned a bachelor's degree in business administration before completing her master's degree in sport management at West Virginia University.

Throughout her career, Babcock has remained deeply engaged in national leadership initiatives and professional organizations, including NACDA, Women Leaders in Sports, NCAA governance committees, and numerous university and conference advisory groups.

Babcock's tenure at the SAC will begin July 1, 2026.

What They're Saying

John Currie, Vice President and Director of Athletics - Wake Forest University

"Congratulations to the South Atlantic Conference for the inspired selection of Lindsey Babcock as commissioner. As a former student-athlete, a seasoned administrator with extensive experience at both the conference and institutional level and deep relationships across the NCAA, she is the perfect choice for a league with an illustrious history of providing tremendous opportunities for student-athletes. Lindsey is a strong leader and administrator who understands first hand the needs and priorities of student-athletes and coaches as well as the big picture issues from a university, conference and national perspective. She has been a trusted partner for me for eleven years at both Wake Forest and Kansas State. Through coaching changes, the pandemic, NCAA and conference regulatory disruption and other challenges, Lindsey has been an elite problem solver and strong leader whose impact on our university, athletics program and senior staff team is impossible to overstate."

Dr. Susan R. Wente, President - Wake Forest University

"Congratulations to Lindsey on her appointment as Commissioner of the South Atlantic Conference. It has been an honor to work with her and witness her growth and development as a leader during her time at Wake Forest. Lindsey has demonstrated tireless dedication in her role, helping to propel both Demon Deacon Athletics and the University forward. I am incredibly proud of all she has accomplished. I wish her family all the best in this exciting new chapter and look forward to following her leadership journey in the SAC."

Jim Philips, Commissioner - Atlantic Coast Conference

"Congratulations to Lindsey on this well-deserved opportunity to serve as the Commissioner of the South Atlantic Conference. Throughout her tenure in college athletics, Lindsey has been a tremendous asset to Wake Forest and the ACC, and we are grateful for her many contributions. Her leadership, commitment to student-athlete success and deep understanding of our industry have made a lasting impact across the conference. Lindsey is an outstanding leader, and we wish her and her husband, Craig, and their two children, Alexa and Brayden, continued success in this exciting next chapter."

Shane Lyons, Executive Deputy Director of Athletics, Chief Operating Officer - University of Alabama

"The South Atlantic Conference made an outstanding choice in hiring Lindsey Babcock as its next Commissioner. I've had the opportunity to see firsthand the professionalism, integrity, and the strong commitment to excellence that Lindsey brings to college athletics each day. She is a collaborative leader who approaches every challenge thoughtfully, and with a team-first mindset. Lindsey has a unique ability to connect with people, communicate effectively, and inspire those around her to be their best. Her passion for student-athletes and commitment to excellence will serve the conference incredibly well, and I am confident she will lead the conference to continued success."

Bobby Muuss, Head Men's Soccer Coach - Wake Forest University

"Lindsey has been an incredible asset to Wake Forest and our men's soccer program, and I truly cannot thank her enough for all she has done for me both professionally and personally. While I am sad to see her leave Wake Forest, I could not be more excited for her and her amazing family as they begin this next chapter. I have seen firsthand the positive impact Lindsey has on student-athletes, coaches, and everyone around her. She cares deeply about college athletics, the student-athletes and doing things the right way. She embodies what college athletics is truly all about. The South Athletic Conference is gaining an outstanding leader, and I know Lindsey will make a tremendous impact as the SAC's newest Commissioner."

Mike Alden, Director of Athletics - University of Missouri (1998 - 2015)

"Congratulations to the South Atlantic Conference and the President's Council on naming Lindsey Babcock as the next Commissioner. Lindsey is an accomplished professional with tremendous experience that will provide visionary leadership to the league. She will build on those successes of the SAC and position the conference as a leading voice nationally in college athletics."

Donna Price Henry, Chancellor - UVA Wise

"Throughout this process, the Presidents Council has dedicated itself to identifying a leader with a collaborative approach, strategic mindset and deep understanding of the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. Lindsey Babcock is an exceptional leader whose experience, vision and commitment to student-athlete success make her the ideal choice to lead the South Atlantic Conference into its next chapter. Her leadership will strengthen the conference's tradition of excellence while continuing to prioritize the academic and personal development of our student-athletes. We are excited to welcome Lindsey to the SAC family and look forward to the future under her leadership."

Bert Epting, Vice President for University Relations, Athletics, and Strategic Academic Performance Programs - Anderson University

"We are thrilled to welcome Lindsey to the South Atlantic Conference. Her experience, passion for collegiate athletics, and exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships make her a tremendous fit for the SAC. Lindsey's leadership and vision will help elevate our conference and continue pushing us to the next level in Division II."

About the South Atlantic Conference

The South Atlantic Conference is a premier NCAA Division II conference committed to excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and community engagement. The conference proudly supports student-athletes and member institutions across the Southeast while fostering an environment that emphasizes integrity, sportsmanship, and competitive success.