Troy University athletic director Steve Dennis has announced his resignation.

In a release posted on the school’s athletic website, Dennis said he has presented his resignation to Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr., effective September 30.

“I have enjoyed my time (at Troy). There are other opportunities that I’m pursuing,” Dennis said in a telephone interview with The Messenger.

He went on to say that he had no further comment.

“Troy University is a special place and I have been privileged to play a role in the growth and development of its athletic program over the past seven-and-one-half years. The University will always hold a special place in my heart and my family will always be a Troy family,” Dennis said in his statement.

I have presented my resignation as Director of Athletics to Chancellor Hawkins effective September 30. Our athletic department has accomplished a great deal at Troy, and I believe this is the right time in my life to explore other opportunities. In announcing my departure, I thank the members of the coaching and support staffs of the Department of Athletics and I cannot thank Chancellor Hawkins enough for giving me this opportunity.  He is a tremendous leader but most of all he is a great human being and it has been a privilege to work for and learn from him. I am sure that great things lie ahead for Trojan athletics and I look forward to watching the growth and maturity of the program in the years to come.”

Dennis has been with the university since 2005.

Troy football head coach Larry Blakeney said Dennis is a friend as well as an associate and wishes him the best.

“I have been with Steve Dennis since we coached together at Auburn and followed him until he came (to Troy),” Blakeney said. “He’s done some good things as a fund-raiser and an administrator and is certainly somebody that I care for a great deal. I’m for him and want to help him no matter what. He’s a guy that has been a success and will be a success.”

Under Dennis, Troy athletic facilities across the board have seen drastic improvement. The soccer and track teams moved in to a new facility located on the old Trojan Oaks golf course in 2003 but was renovated in 2005, 2006 and 2008. Troy’s baseball facilities, Riddle-Pace Field, received a facelift in 2008 when the Lott Baseball Complex was constructed and artificial turf installed. More recently, the basketball program will play in its new $31 million arena this upcoming season.

Dennis came to Troy from Auburn University where he served as Associate Director of Tiger Unlimited and was responsible for raising funds through private and corporate entities.

Dennis played football at the University of Georgia under legendary coach Vince Dooley. He also served as the team’s defensive captain in 1978.