SALISBURY, N.C. [April 24, 2026] — Livingstone College is proud to announce that, effective June 30, Director of Athletics Clifton Huff will retire from his role, marking the closure of a remarkable era of leadership, dedication, and excellence while opening a new chapter for Blue Bear Athletics. Beginning July 1, Huff will transition into a new role as Assistant to the President for Athletic Development, where he will continue to support the growth and advancement of the College's athletic programs.

Huff's retirement as Athletic Director marks the culmination of 22 years of service to Livingstone College, including 16 years as AD across two separate tenures. His impact on the institution has been both profound and far-reaching, shaping not only the athletic department but also the broader campus community.

A 1985 graduate of Livingstone College, Huff's legacy began as a standout student-athlete. He remains a record holder in the decathlon and pole vault and met the 1984 USA Olympic qualifying standards in the decathlon. His excellence earned him recognition as the 55th greatest all-time athlete in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

Huff's contributions extended seamlessly from the field into coaching and administration. As a track and field coach, he produced 39 All-Americans, 103 All-CIAA performers, and 28 individual CIAA champions. His leadership earned him four CIAA Coach of the Year honors. Throughout his coaching career, Huff guided numerous student-athletes to national prominence, including NCAA Division II champions and runners-up, while also mentoring scholar-athletes—five of whom graduated as class valedictorians.

In his administrative roles, Huff's influence has been equally impactful. Over the course of his career, he has served in nearly every facet of collegiate athletics, including Director of Athletics, Academic Enhancement Advisor, Game Operations Director, and Sports Information Director. His experience spans both NCAA Division I and Division II levels, including leadership roles at institutions such as Winston-Salem State University, Grambling State University, and Florida A&M University.

During his tenure as Athletic Director at Livingstone, Huff led significant advancements in facilities, academic performance, graduation rates, and community engagement. His leadership earned him numerous accolades, including CIAA Athletic Director of the Year, the Jeannette Lee Athletic Achievement Award (1997 and 1998), and the CIAA Commissioner's Special Recognition Award in 1998.
Huff has also played a vital role in conference and national athletics governance. He served as First Vice-President of the CIAA Conference Officers (2005–2007), President of the CIAA Athletic Directors Association (1999–2003), and contributed to the CIAA Basketball Tournament Committee and NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Regional Selection Committee.

Across his career, Huff has been affiliated with three national championship programs, 22 conference titles, and the development of hundreds of All-American student-athletes.

A three-time inductee into the Livingstone College Athletics Hall of Fame, Huff was also inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame in 2014 and the E.A. Laney High School Hall of Fame in 2015. His lifelong commitment to athletics and education continues to reflect the mission and values of Livingstone College.

"Clifton Huff's dedication to Livingstone College is unmatched," said Dr. Anthony J. Davis. "His leadership has elevated our athletics program and positively impacted countless student-athletes. We are grateful for his service as Athletic Director and look forward to his continued contributions in this new role."

Livingstone College celebrates Huff's extraordinary career and looks forward to his continued leadership in advancing the future of Blue Bears athletics.