Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – April 19, 2025 – Several websites and social media channels are reporting that Arkansas State University Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Sports (Athletic Director) Jeff Purinton has resigned his position at A-State. One report suggested the announcement could come as early as next week.
ESPN Senior Writer Pete Thamel wrote “Arkansas State AD Jeff Purinton has accepted a job at Learfield and will be moving on from ASU. He’s been the AD there since 2022. He’s a veteran administrator who has worked at Alabama, FSU and the Orange Bowl.”
Twitter/X social media account AStateNation tweeted “Multiple Sources have told us Arkansas State athletic director Jeff Purinton has resigned. Official announcement will be next week.”
JonesboroRightNow also spoke with several Red Wolves supporters who are close to A-State athletics who indicated they had been told by sources within the athletics department that Purinton had resigned.
Purinton was announced as Arkansas State’s Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics on May 4, 2022, becoming the 12th all-time athletics director in school history. Purinton’s move to Jonesboro came following a 15-year stint at the University of Alabama, where he served in various administrative roles and eventually was promoted to Executive Deputy Director of Athletics.
Learfield Communications LLC manages athletic multimedia rights to numerous collegiate institutions and associations, including Arkansas State University, the University of Arkansas, and many others. The company also provides and manages sports radio broadcasting services.
A native of Palatka, Fla., Purinton received his bachelor’s degree in sports management and master’s in athletics administration at Florida State University. He and his wife Julie have two daughters, Jillian and Josie.
JonesboroRightNow reached out to several contacts within the athletics department but did not receive a response.