Make an impact while planning for your future

Immediately after graduating from the University of North Alabama with a bachelor’s in journalism and public relations in 1993, Seitz was hired as the assistant sports information director for the Gamecocks. Six years later, he was promoted to sports information director. Well respected in his field, he became the first SID named president of the Alabama Sports Writers Association in 2002.

Stepping out behind the news desk, Seitz was named associate athletic director in 2002, senior athletic director in 2011 and finally—after three stints as interim—was officially named athletic director in 2016.

“I’ve had a very blessed career,” Seitz says, “and that’s mostly because I’ve been able to spend all of it at JSU.”

Having overseen JSU’s invitation to join Conference USA in all sports beginning in 2023, as well as upgrades to numerous athletic facilities, Seitz has solidified his reputation as a leader. Now he’s thinking about his legacy. He recently decided to make a considerable donation to JSU Athletics that will be bequeathed upon his passing.

“It’s an opportunity for me to leave a legacy for future student athletes, coaches and staff,” Seitz says. “My passion for JSU Athletics has always been great and I’m hoping this gift can someday enhance that.”

Not that such a thing is coming any time soon. Death, like retirement, isn’t something the ever-motivated Seitz is considering.

“I like to think I’ve still got a ways to go before worrying too much about that,” he says, laughing. “But it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.”

The specifics of the donation are still being ironed out.

“It’s all part of my retirement plan,” he says. “I don’t know exactly how much it will be, but I do know it will be a six-figure gift as part of my estate.”

And there was never any doubt as to where Seitz wanted the money to go.

“Sports are my passion, especially JSU athletics,” he says. “It was important to me that something go toward JSU, and specifically the athletics department, because it’s been such a huge part of my life for nearly 30 years.”

Seitz hasn’t decided, beyond the athletics department, where exactly his gift will go.

“There will certainly be future needs as we make this transition to Conference USA and into the FBS,” he says. “I just thought it was the right time to make this decision. And as we’re always asking people to donate to the Gamecocks, it was only fair that I step up to the plate and make a significant gift myself to help our fundraising efforts.”

Remembering JSU in estate planning has become a popular gift option for alumni and friends of the institution.

“It’s just another option for giving,” Seitz says. “A lot of people aren’t in a position to give a gift outright, but this allows you to give back to the university without sacrificing so much of your daily finances. Plus, like they say: You can’t take it with you.”

An estate-based donation has unlimited potential for change and opportunity.

“I would suggest everyone talk to their tax advisors,” Seitz says. “There are lots of personal benefits—tax credits, for example—and it really can make a difference in the lives of the students at this university. Estate gifts are a way of creating a legacy that will live on long after the giver is gone.”