FSU VP & Director of Athletics Alford on the mend, returns to office following neck surgery
A healthy and recovered Michael Alford returned to his office Monday at Florida State.
Alford – the Seminoles’ Vice President and Director of Athletics – underwent neck surgery last month for cervical spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal and can impact mobility and comfort.
Alford, 55, had been working remotely since surgery.
“Just being around the student-athletes and seeing their faces and smiles – that’s what you miss,” Alford said. “It’s also great seeing the coaches and going down to the training room, that’s my favorite part.”
Alford’s schedule this week includes facility, executive staff, marketing and budget meetings, in addition to a full schedule of spring athletic events.
More: FSU Director of Athletics Michael Alford being treated for neck issue, to undergo surgery
FSU athletics positions for future during dueling lawsuits between school & ACC
There’s also the ongoing FSU-Atlantic Coast Conference lawsuits.
Last Friday in North Carolina, FSU and the ACC met in court for the first hearing in a set of dueling lawsuits.
Additionally, Clemson last week followed in the footsteps of fellow ACC power FSU and filed a lawsuit against the ACC. The Tigers also seek to establish conditions under which the Tigers could minimize the cost of a potential departure.
While Alford declined to comment on any legal matters, he repeated FSU is focused on being proactive and positioned for the future.
“We are not waiting for things to happen and then find out what our opportunities are,” Alford said.
“I have a timeline of media contracts (from professional to college sports). … How do we position ourselves in that framework to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves?
“We are always looking ahead.”
Alford credited his leadership team, specifically Deputy Athletics Director for Administration Cindy Hartmann and Senior Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Communications Doug Walker, for overseeing the athletic department's day-to-day activities during his absence.
He also mentioned the support of his wife Laura prior to and after surgery.
Alford said good health is a blessing.
“When they (surgeons) told me how serious it could be if I chose not to fix it, that gave you the ‘excuse me’ part,” Alford said. “That changed my thought process and said let’s get this taken care of.”
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU athletic director Michael Alford back after neck surgery
