Doug Vance, a 20-year fixture in Kansas University’s athletic department, is leaving his associate athletic director position effective immediately, Vance and athletic director Lew Perkins announced Wednesday.

Vance served as KU’s sports information director during both the Larry Brown and Roy Williams eras of basketball. He also worked with six football coaches (Mike Gottfried, Bob Valesente, Glen Mason, Terry Allen, interim coach Tom Hayes and Mark Mangino), not to mention three athletic directors (Monte Johnson, Bob Frederick and Al Bohl).

“We are very grateful for Doug’s many years of loyal service to the University of Kansas,” first-year Kansas AD Perkins said. “While my preference was for Doug to stay, I respect his decision and certainly wish him well with whatever he chooses to do.”

Vance, a past president of the College Sports Information Directors of America and member of that organization’s Hall of Fame, said: “Lew offered me an opportunity to remain with the staff. However, I’ve decided to go a different direction.

“Now I can concentrate on being a fan and enjoy watching all the teams compete. For the last 20 years, my life has revolved around the KU athletics department. As a family, we’ve poured our heart and soul into sharing the joys of success and heartbreak of defeat. It has been a great and rewarding experience.

“It has been an honor and privilege to have worked for and represented the University of Kansas. My life has been enriched by the many associations and friendships with staff, coaches and fans over the years. I’m proud of what we achieved during my years at KU, and I look forward to seeing the athletic department have greater success in the future.”

Vance — he had the opportunity to become sports information director at Oklahoma two years ago and had several other opportunities to move on in the past — said he was planning a lifestyle change.

“Two weeks ago, my wife and I were in Salina and got to share in the excitement of the birth of our third grandson. Last Saturday I watched two grandsons play soccer in Kansas City. In the past, my commitment to KU would have made those two events difficult to attend,” Vance said. “This decision is about family and making family an equal priority to my job.”

Vance said he and wife, Sue, would like to remain in Lawrence if possible.

“I am wide open,” he said. “If I can stay in this area, great. I will not restrict myself, but we’d like to remain in Lawrence. It’s a great community. If we can continue to be part of it, I’d like that opportunity.”

The bottom line on his tenure: “This job has been about people — standing behind the scenes and watching them have success,” Vance said. “I leave with great memories of all people I associated with. I would like to thank four people instrumental to me — Monte Johnson, Mike Gottfried, Bob Frederick and Larry Brown — but many others instrumental in me staying there — Jerry Waugh, Richard Konzem, Janelle Martin, Roy Williams, Gary Kempf and Max (Falkenstien) among many many others — many people in the media relations office.”