CHARLESTON, S.C. (WACH, AP) -- Gov. Nikki Haley has nominated a retired South Carolina State University football coach for a position on the board of the State Ports Authority.
Willie Jeffries has won more games than anyone in the history of the Orangeburg school.
The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that Haley's press secretary said the governor has known Jeffries for many years.
Sen. Darrell Jackson of Hopkins commended Haley on the appointment. Jeffries and Jackson are black. Jackson sees the nomination as a result of Haley's dialogue with members of the black caucus and says it shows the governor understands the importance of diversity.
Jeffries led the Bulldogs from 1973 to 1979, before becoming the first African-American coach in Division 1-A history when he was named head coach for Wichita State. He also coached at Howard before his second stint at SC State from 1989 to 2001.
In November South Carolina State honored Hall of Fame Coach Willie Jeffries on Saturday, by officially naming the Oliver C. Dawson Field after him.
“It’s such an honor,” Jeffries said at the time. “It’s so great when your Alma Mater recognizes you and I’m so proud of it. I appreciate the administration and the board of trustees and off of the people made it possible for this to happen.”
Jeffries' appointment still must be approved by the state Senate.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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