SEARK College is proud to announce plans to launch several competitive sports programs beginning fall 2023. The National Junior College Athletic Association officially accepted SEARK College into the conference beginning this year when SEARK will offer men’s baseball, women’s softball and Esports during the 2023-2024 academic year with men’s and women’s basketball and cheerleading beginning in late 2024.

Southeast Arkansas has a storied history when it comes to athletic success,” said SEARK College President Dr. Steven Bloomberg. “We are excited that SEARK College is now able to add additional athletic and academic opportunities to the area, the state, and beyond.”

President Bloomberg announced to staff this week that after a nationwide search, Mr. Chad Kline will serve as the college’s first athletic director and head men’s basketball coach. Kline has extensive experience as both a player and a coach for college basketball teams and has served as athletic director and NCAA Compliance Officer in Tennessee.

“College athletics are about competing, leading, success and failure all at once,” Kline said. “I am honored to be a part of the inaugural seasons at SEARK, and I look forward to building a foundation of solid athletics programs and successful student athletes in all areas inside and outside of competition.

In addition to the hire of Kline, President Bloomberg also announced the hiring of Ka’Lisa Stanfield as SEARK College’s new Dean of Students. Stanfield will be responsible for advising athletes, assisting with athletic-related compliance, student discipline, and student activities including intramurals. A native of Pine Bluff, Stanfield returns home having most recently served as an interim athletic director in Alabama.