Strange was hired in May 2003 as the seventh full-time AD at UCA. He holds two masters degrees from UCA and earned a bachelor's degree from Hendrix College.

Prior to being named UCA AD, Strange had been in private business for 15 years. But before that he had been a football and track coach at UCA. He also coached at Henderson State, Hendrix, Austin College and the Conway school district.

Board members Dr. Michael Stanton and Randy Sims both expressed gratitude to Strange for his years of service.

"I've known Vance Strange for a long time," Stanton said. "He is always one of the most positive people I've been around. I hope he will continue to help [UCA]."

Sims said he hates to see Strange leave.

"I hate to hear about Vance's resignation," he said. "I hope he continues to support the Bears and continues to bring a positive attitude to all the games."

Hardin said in a press release that the search for a new athletic director is underway.

Frank Koon was UCA's first AD in 1955, he held the office until 1970 when Cliff Horton took over. Sid Simpson took over from 1979-81, Rex Lovell and Bill Stephens were in office from 1981-88, Stephens took the job on by himself from 1988-1999 and from 2000-2003 William Lide was AD before leaving to become commissioner of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.