COLUMBUS, Ohio – President Dave Kaufman announced the appointment of Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr. as the next Athletic Director of Capital University on Friday, June 3, 2022. Bailey will begin his new role at Capital on July 1, 2022. 

"After an extensive and thorough search, we are pleased to appoint Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr. as Capital's next Athletic Director," said Kaufman. "Darrell emerged from a very competitive and quality pool of candidates after showing a great vision and passion for where Capital Athletics is headed. We are pleased to welcome him to Capital University and to the CapFam!" 

Bailey comes to Capital from California State University East Bay, an NCAA Division II program located in Hayward, California, where he most recently served as Assistant Athletics Director for Development. 

"I'd like to thank President Dave Kaufman, the search committee, and Spelman Johnson, the executive search firm, for their time and trust in me to take on this position," said Bailey. "I am looking forward to being a leader at Capital and having the opportunity to put what I have trained for into action. My background with Cal State East Bay, city government and the military have all helped develop me for this opportunity, and I can't be any more excited."

He began his tenure with Cal State East Bay in 2009. He was initially brought into the department as the Athletic Business Manager, where he operated the entire athletic department operating budget and fundraising accounts. 

After a successful stint as the Business Manager, Bailey was promoted to the position of Assistant Athletic Director for External Operations within the Pioneer's athletic department. In this role, Bailey took on a greater responsibility of increasing revenue through fundraising and corporate partnerships while also enhancing the marketing and promotion efforts of all 15 of East Bay's athletic programs. 

Once more, Bailey showed a significant rate of success internally and was again promoted, this time to the Assistant Athletics Director for Development. In this role, Bailey directly managed and increased membership for the Pioneer Athletics Club, increased scholarships and endowments, improved the department's Day of Giving, and strategically managed all departmental fundraising and revenue generation efforts. 

Prior to entering collegiate athletics, Bailey served in many roles for the City of San Diego, including as a Contract Administrator, an Associate Management Analyst, and a Senior Management Analyst.  While living in the San Diego area, Bailey also served as an Assistant Basketball Coach with Mater Dei Catholic High School. 

Bailey served with the United States Air Force for nine years before kick starting his professional career. While serving, he participated in the Military Athletics program coaching and playing in various sport and recreation events. 

He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Marketing from the University of Phoenix, a Master's Degree in Sport Management from the United States Sport Academy, and a Doctorate Degree in Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Sport Management from Northcentral University. 

Bailey is a member of numerous professional development associations, including the National Society of Leadership and Success, the National Association of Athletic Development Directors, the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association, and the United States Sports Academy Alumni Association, among others. 

Darrell's roots were originally planted in Oakland, California where he grew up. He will now be making the move to the Columbus area with his wife Leandra. Bailey has four grown children – Darrell II, Briauna, I'Mani, and Carl.