Monday afternoon was a passing of the torch at Lincoln University.
Kevin Wilson was formally introduced as the Blue Tigers' vice president for advancement, athletics and campus recreation during a press conference at Jason Gym. He was introduced by his predecessor, John Moseley, Lincoln's former athletic director and current interim university president.
"He, without a doubt, has exemplified throughout this entire process a commitment to character, academics and athletic success," Moseley said of Wilson during his introductory statement. "I am extremely excited to hear him talk about a commitment for a lifetime to our students and to our student-athletes.
"I don't think that this university could have found a better person at this time to come in and move the athletic department, advancement and campus recreation forward than Kevin."
Lincoln's position of athletic director - which has been renamed to vice president of advancement, athletics and campus recreation - became available when Moseley was named the university's interim president May 20.
Following a nationwide search, Wilson was announced as Moseley's replacement June 25.
"I will relish this responsibility, and I look forward to being an asset to an already stellar leadership team," Wilson said.
Wilson comes to Lincoln from Florida A&M, where he was the associate athletic director for external affairs at the Division I school. He has also worked in athletic departments at Washington State, Central Florida, North Carolina Central and Fayetteville (N.C.) State.
"I firmly believe that diverse experiences cultivate leadership," Wilson said. "I've been fortunate enough to learn from some of the best administrators in the country, during my time in the MEAC, CIAA, Pac-12 and American (Athletic) Conference."
Wilson started his career in college athletics as the director of basketball operations at North Carolina Central under men's basketball head coach LeVelle Moton. Moseley was also an assistant coach with the Eagles at that time.
"He's a man who I believe is already going to be a Hall of Fame coach one day," Wilson said of Moton. "He gave me my first job in athletics and made me work under a young, passionate assistant, who unbeknownst to me would one day change my life."
Wilson noted how much he had learned from the athletic directors he previously worked under, and how that leadership has prepared him for this role at Lincoln.
"The totality of those experiences leads directly into my leadership philosophy of being student-centered, leading with care and integrity, maximizing every opportunity and being unapologetic in our pursuit of comprehensive excellence," he said.
Wilson also had a message for Lincoln student-athletes.
"Know that you matter and deserve the best," he said. "I will work tirelessly to make sure that you have one of the best experiences in the country. You made a four-year decision when you came here to become a Blue Tiger, and I want it to be one that you would make again in a heartbeat.
"All I ask is that you put in the work to be a better version of yourself, because we want degrees, rings and a meaningful career when it's all said and done."
At the press conference, Wilson was accompanied by his wife, Dr. S. Lavi Wilson, and their two sons, Kendrick and Knox, as well as other family members.
"Ever since my appointment, my mother calls me 'VP,'" Wilson said.
One of the responsibilities with Wilson's new job is fundraising, and he already has Lincoln's Casino Night marked on his calendar for Aug. 14.
"My wife gave me my budget and my curfew, so I'm good to go," Wilson said with a laugh.