Former Kansas University athletic director Lew Perkins will be an assistant girls basketball coach at Seabury Academy next season, the Journal-World has learned.

Perkins will assist varsity girls coach Becky Bridson.

“When the opportunity came to accept Lew as an assistant for my girls program, it was a very easy decision for me,” Seabury athletic director Eric Nelson said. “He’s seen some good basketball, and he can help us get better.”

Perkins took over for Al Bohl as Kansas AD in 2003. Perkins announced his retirement on Sept. 7, 2010, with Sean Lester serving as interim AD for a few months. New Kansas AD Sheahon Zenger, previously of Illinois State, took over on Feb. 1.

Perkins’ daughter, Amy, served as admissions director at Seabury in 2007-2008.

Before Kansas, Perkins served as athletic director at Connecticut (1990-2003), Maryland (1987-1990), Wichita State (1983-1987) and South Carolina-Aiken (1969-1980).

“Lew’s a personality for sure,” Nelson said. “He’s a very nice guy. If my coaches don’t ask him for advice, they’d be crazy. He’s so genuine. My feeling is, if I have a coach who needs some advice with a kid, he’d be a great resource for our coaching staff.”

Nelson said the Seahawks players already have met Perkins and are excited to welcome him for next season.

Seabury Academy is a private high school in west Lawrence. The Seahawks participate in Kansas State High School Activities Association Class 1A athletic programs.