FAMU AD Nelson Townsend Dies

(TBO.com photo)

Florida A&M will be looking for a new athletic director under the most tragic of circumstances. Nelson Townsend, FAMU’s Interim AD, has died. The 73 year-old collapsed prior to a meeting Thursday morning, according to FAMU spokesman Jimmy Miller.

FAMU has lost a dear friend, excellent leader & administrator. We will miss Nelson Townsend. We join his wife & family in mourning his loss.
— Pres. Elmira Mangum (@RattlerinChief) January 8, 2015

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Townsend assumed the interim AD role after Kellen Winslow resigned last month. He oversaw the hiring of Alex Wood as head football coach just before Christmas. He also confirmed the MEAC voted to send its champion to a bowl game against the SWAC following the regular season on Wednesday.

In addition to his time at FAMU, Townsend also served as AD at Delaware State and UMES, his alma mater.