Plaisance named Interim Athletic Director at Nicholls

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In the coming weeks, Nicholls State University will hire its next athletic director.

But while waiting, one of its own will be responsible for keeping the ship above water.


Nicholls announced this afternoon that women’s basketball coach DoBee Plaisance will fill in for outgoing AD Rob Bernardi, who resigned last week after 15 years as the school’s top athletic official.

Plaisance has been with Nicholls for eight seasons, helping turn the Colonels women’s basketball program into an annual contender. In recent years, Plaisance was also named the school’s Senior Woman Administrator – a position she’s held since 2011.

“DoBee Plaisance is an experienced and respected member of our athletics department,” Nicholls President Dr. Bruce Murphy said in a news release. “She has had years of success as a coach, and her commitment to our student-athletes and her dedication to the Nicholls community are well-known. Nicholls is fortunate to have someone with her connections and experience to step in and ensure that the program carries on without missing a beat.”


It is not yet known whether Plaisance will pursue the full-time position as Nicholls’ AD. 

But for the time being, she will be the Colonels’ top athletic official.

On the basketball hardwood, the Colonels have risen from the bottom of the pack to become perennial contenders in the Southland Conference. Under Plaisance, Nicholls has recruited several highly touted players and have sent two players to the professional ranks.


A New Orleans native, Plaisance led the Colonels to a 10-19 mark in 2015-16 – a rebuilding year for Nicholls.

The Colonels played several freshmen last season and are expected to be among the Southland Conference’s top teams next season.

Plaisance said she’s honored to be chosen as the school’s Interim AD and she vows to do as good a job as she can during her time in charge.


Bernardi resigned last week and Plaisance will takeover operations immediately. Bernardi will stay on-board as a consultant until Sept. 1, while the school makes strides in trying to find a full-time AD. 

“It’s certainly very humbling and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue the great things that are going on within our Athletic Department,” Plaisance said. “My heart is always with the student-athletes. As a leader, I need to serve and be a positive role model to enrich their experience.”

DoBee Plaisance


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