BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Gulf South Conference officially announced that Auburn University at Montgomery Chancellor Dr. Carl A. Stockton will serve as President of the GSC Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Originally scheduled to begin a two-year term as conference president and chair of the GSC Executive Committee in July 2026, Stockton’s tenure was expedited when Valdosta State President Dr. Richard Carvajal was appointed to the same role at Cal Poly Humboldt.
“We thank Dr. Carvajal for his work as the Gulf South Conference President and as a member of the Board of Directors,” said GSC Commissioner Matt Wilson. “That said, we are grateful to resume our work with Dr. Stockton who has been a valued and respected leader within the conference for many years. His experience, vision and dedication will ensure a seamless transition and continued success.”
Stockton stepped into the new role with enthusiasm. “It’s an honor to serve on the executive committee of the Gulf South Conference, the powerhouse conference in NCAA Division II. I am excited to work with Commissioner Wilson and our fellow institutions to continue to build on the success of our athletics programs and to meet the evolving needs of our student athletes in the changing environment of collegiate sports.”
In May 2025, Stockton was named GSC vice president after previously serving on the conference’s finance committee. In addition to his new role with the GSC Executive Committee and Board of Director, Stockton is also a member of the league’s Expansion & Strategic Planning Committee.
As chancellor of Auburn Montgomery, Stockton was part of the university’s transition to NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference, with full membership granted in 2019. This fall, he began his 10th year with the institution.
About the Gulf South Conference
The Gulf South Conference is a charter member of NCAA Division II based in Birmingham, Ala. Formed in 1970, the GSC has established a tradition of excellence and leadership in the Division II landscape, celebrating over 50 national titles and more than 160 region championships. The GSC is comprised of 12 member institutions—The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Auburn University at Montgomery, Christian Brothers University, Delta State University, Lee University, Mississippi College, University of Montevallo, Trevecca Nazarene University, Union University (Tenn.), Valdosta State University, University of West Alabama, and University of West Florida. The GSC annually sponsors 19 sports and hosts 18 championship events.