MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Bethel University Senior Athletic Director Brad Chappell has announced he is leaving the position. Chappell will work in the Paris Special School District.
Chappell was named director of athletics at Bethel in June 2022. He had been a senior associate athletic director at the school since 2011.
During his tenure Chappell managed all facets of a department that included 53 coaches, administrative and support staff as well as more than 750 student-athletes. He had direct supervision of budgets, business operations, scholarships and athletic facilities.
In addition to his experience at Bethel, he acted as vice president of the TranSouth Conference. During Bethel’s membership in the Southern States Athletic Conference, he served as the sport chair for softball and soccer and was a member of the SSAC Strategic Planning committee. In Bethel’s current league, the Mid-South Conference, he has served on the Oversight, Competition and Football committees. Chappell also served as the liaison to Champions of Character, a NAIA initiative. Bethel has been named a five-star Champions of Character institution each year since his arrival and has earned gold status the last seven years. Under his guidance BU student athletes have logged more than 30,000 hours of community service. Chappell served on NAIA-ADA Board of Directors for the past two years.
During his tenure in athletics, the department continued its commitment to academic excellence. Numerous Bethel scholar-athletes and teams received academic recognition at the conference and national levels.
While leading the athletic department, Bethel won conference championships in football, women’s basketball, tennis, golf, volleyball, cross country and baseball, and national titles in bass fishing, shooting, archery and in-line hockey. In 2013, Bethel University’s athletic department was awarded the prestigious Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup for the TranSouth Conference.
Chappell served in various civic capacities including as a member of the McKenzie Parks and Recreation board and a population task force serving the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. He was appointed by the governor to serve on the Carroll County Watershed Authority.
Chappell commented, “The decision has been difficult, but I believe it is the right time to pursue new challenges. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together in the last several years. Celebrating the wins, learning from the losses. Big “gets” on the recruiting trail, national and conference scholar athletes, record setting department wide GPA milestones, championship rings, seven consecutive years of NAIA Champions of Character 5-Star Gold status, and the list goes on.”
Chappell added, “The dedication by our coaches and staff to our student-athletes and unwavering commitment to excellence has been truly inspiring. I will be working closely with the university leadership to ensure a smooth transition. Finally, I am thankful for the privilege of leading this exceptional department. I will always be a proud supporter of Bethel University Athletics.”
Chappell and his wife Christie have four children, Nick, Jake, Allie and Drew. Prior to arriving at Bethel, Chappell served in the Tennessee public school system for 15 years as a teacher and coach. He has taught all levels between fourth grade and college seniors in various subjects. His
coaching experience is extensive, covering a number of sports but primarily focused on middle and high school football.
Bethel President Perry Moulds stated, “I am grateful to Brad for his leadership and commitment to Bethel University over more than a decade of service. His dedication and hard work have significantly contributed to the success of our athletic programs, and his positive impact will be felt for many years to come.” Moulds added, “ As we move forward, I have asked Dr. Wayne Scott to serve as the Interim Director of Athletics in addition to his role as Executive Vice President. We will soon begin the search process to permanently fill the position and will share additional information as the process begins.”