Big South Conference commissioner says he’ll leave post after 27 years

Kyle Kallander announced Tuesday morning that he is stepping down as Big South commissioner after 27 years. Kallander is the longest-tenured commissioner in the conference’s history. The conference headquarters is in Charlotte.

Kallander cited family as the reason for his decision, wanting to spend and devote more time with his wife, Lisa, and the rest of his family.

“It has been an honor to serve you for 27 years, and Lisa and I are so grateful for your support, acceptance, and love,” Kallander said in Tuesday’s press release. “Stefan and Tristan grew up in the Big South, became fans, and are fans yet. Our affinity for this Conference will never abate. The friends at our institutions -- from the CEOs, to the administrators, faculty, coaches, and student-athletes -- have all been unbelievable. I count myself a lucky man to have interacted with, and been influenced by, so many outstanding individuals.”

Kallander has been the Big South commissioner since July 1996, and has seen growth and change in the conference. From the addition of football back in 2002 to Coastal Carolina’s national championship win in 2016, Kallander has led the conference.

Those close to him say they appreciate and respect his leadership.

“He’s very steadfast in his leadership,” said Mark Simpson, the Big South associate commissioner for media and public relations. “There’s things that he’ll continue to direct us towards, but there’s some times where he’ll say, ‘hey, we’re open to suggestions. I don’t have all the answers, but I want feedback. I want critical thinkers to be able to help and show us a way that wasn’t thought of before.’ He’s very open-minded to that.”

Kallander’s retirement is set to become official at the conclusion of the 2022-23 academic school year.

Members of the Big South Conference include: Campbell; Charleston Southern; Gardner-Webb; High Point; Longwood; Presbyterian; Radford; UNC Asheville; Winthrop.

This story was originally published October 11, 2022 at 3:52 PM.