Ken Baker was named interim athletic director Tuesday, just eight days after the former athletic director was relieved of his duties.

Rich McDuffie was put on 12 months paid administrative leave Aug 13.

“We’re here to move forward,” Baker said.

As acting director, Baker will be responsible for the development and administration of the athletics department.

“A lot of good things have happened, and a lot of good things are happening,” Baker said. “We want to make sure this is a very special place.”

University President William Perry met with the athletic department last week and asked the staff to give him a list of names of whom they though should serve as interim athletic director.

According to Vicki Woodard, Eastern’s director of media relations, Perry made the decision along with Dan Nadler, vice president for student affairs.

“Ken Baker was the right person at this time to be interim athletic director,” Perry said.

He added that Baker has high integrity, is hard working and cares for Eastern and the community.

Baker has served as director of campus recreation since 2000.

“I enjoy working with students,” he said. “It’s fun to have all the students back and get school started again.”

In a written statement, Nadler said the university will immediately begin reviewing temporary leadership alternatives for that area.

Besides his work at Eastern, Baker has been a football referee for the Big Ten and the NFL. Although he retired from refereeing on the field in 2001, he has been a replay official since 2003.

Prior to Baker being named, Nadler served as temporary athletic director before an interim director could be hired.

The athletics department will still report to Nadler, Perry said, because it makes it easier to communicate.

“(Nadler) and I are right down the hall from each other,” Perry said.

There will also be regular meetings between Perry, Nadler and Baker.

A nationwide search for a permanent athletic director is set to begin this fall. A search advisory committee should be formed by September, Perry said.

Perry said Baker would not be a candidate for the permanent position.