BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Campbell University has retained the services of CSA Search & Consulting to assist in a national search and recruitment of its next Director of Athletics.

Additionally, Melissa Wendt has been named Interim Athletic Director, effective September 17, 2026. She will serve in that capacity until a new AD is hired.

"I am pleased to name Melissa Wendt as our Interim AD," shared President William M. Downs. "Melissa has served with distinction as Senior Associate Athletic Director and as Senior Woman Administrator for the Fighting Camels, and she has been our leader in the complex and ever-changing world of NCAA compliance. I have great confidence in her ability to oversee our athletics programs, to ensure that we compete at the highest level, and to insist that we prioritize the success and welfare of our 550 student-athletes above all else. Campbell Athletics are in very good hands during this moment of transition."

It was announced on August 18 that Hannah Bazemore, Campbell's Athletics Director since 2022, would resign from her role, effective September 16, accepting the role of senior deputy athletics director and senior woman administrator at Florida State.

"CSA Search & Consulting is an industry-leader in executive searches, and we have worked successfully with Drew Turner and his team on multiple other occasions," Downs added. "CSA will work tirelessly to assemble a strong and diverse pool of candidates for us to consider as we look to secure our next leader. That next leader will be responsible for elevating the success of our programs and building a true championship culture across Campbell's 21 teams. The future of Campbell Athletics is bright, and I can't wait for this new chapter."

Wendt currently serves as Campbell's Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator. With over a decade of experience in the field, Wendt joined the Fighting Camels' staff in January 2023 as Associate AD for Compliance before being elevated to her current post in July 2024.

Among other duties, Wendt oversees all day-to-day operations of the compliance office and serves as compliance liaison to all 21 varsity teams, in addition to serving as Campbell's Deputy Title IX Coordinator while providing oversight for sports performance and sports medicine. She also serves as program administrator for Campbell's women's basketball, women's soccer, track & field and cross country programs.

Campbell Athletics supports 550 student-athletes competing across its 21 NCAA Division I sports, with 20 programs competing as members of the Coastal Athletic Association and wrestling competing in the Southern Conference. As the department enters its 50th NCAA Division I season, 18 Fighting Camel programs have advanced to NCAA Championship competition, and together, Campbell programs have captured 65 conference championships since 2011.