DURHAM, N.C. – The North Carolina Central University Department of Athletics announced Tuesday the appointment of T.J. Walker as interim head coach of the men's and women's cross country and track & field program.
 
Walker, an assistant coach at NCCU for the past nine seasons, replaces Michael Lawson, who served as head coach of the men's and women's cross country/track & field program at NCCU since 1989.
 
"After careful consideration of what is in the best interest of the university and our student-athletes, I have made the decision to make a change in the leadership of our men's and women's cross country/track & field program," said NCCU Director of Athletics Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree.
 
"This was a very difficult decision as I respect Coach Lawson and I am appreciative of his efforts in leading our men's and women's cross country/track & field program for the past 26 years," said McCree. "Coach Lawson produced many champions and all-Americans during his tenure."
 
A national search will be conducted for a new head coach.
 
"I am confident in Coach Walker's abilities to continue serving our student-athletes and the university," said McCree.
 
The outdoor track & field season begins for NCCU at the Wake Forest Open on March 18-19 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.