Wanda Lucas begins her 18th year in the Samford athletics department and her second as the assistant director of athletics for business. She has served in numerous roles within the department, and now oversees the budgets and financial ­activities of the Bulldogs' 17 intercollegiate sports.

Lucas was the assistant to the director of ­athletics from 1990 to 2000 and has been the ­athletics business manager since 2000.

"Wanda's ability to juggle many respons­ibilities over the years has led to this long-overdue promotion," Athletics Director Bob Roller said. "She has saved our department thousands of dollars with her strong ­fiscal management, and now has the title and authority to oversee the most important component of any college athletics department--the finances."

Lucas and her husband, Zack, have two grown sons, Josh and Justin.