Former University athletic director Vince Dooley always will be remembered on South Campus, pending approval of the Board of Regents.

The regents will consider the “The Vince Dooley Athletic Complex” when they meet today in Atlanta. Approval could be granted as early as today, but University spokesman Chuck Toney said approval will most likely take place on Wednesday after a review.

The proposal was approved at the University level Monday afternoon after unanimous votes by the Athletic Board followed the University Cabinet.

The “Vince Dooley Athletic Complex” will include the areas of Spec Towns Track, Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, Woodruff Practice Fields, Stegeman Coliseum and Training Complex, Foley Field, the Rankin-Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center and the Dan Magill Tennis Complex.

At the corner of South Lumpkin Street and Pinecrest Drive, a monument with a statue of Dooley will commemorate the 1980 National Championship.

Plaques with a timeline of Dooley’s accomplishments as football coach and as athletic director will be a part of the monument, as well as a garden.

Dooley served as football coach from 1963 to 1988. His teams won six SEC titles and the 1980 National Championship. Dooley still has an office on campus on the second floor of Rankin-Smith.

From 1979 to 2004, Dooley was athletic director and oversaw the University win 17 national championships and 65 SEC titles.

In 2004, Dooley retired from full-time status after a controversial decision made by University President Michael Adams not to renew Dooley’s contract. Despite past tensions, Adams said the dedication to Dooley is important for the University.

“This is a day to talk about honoring somebody who gave the University 40 years of terrific service. I’m not one on occasions like this to look back. I think this gives us all the opportunity to look forward,” Adams said Monday. “This is a fitting tribute to Coach Dooley. Everyone feels good about this.”

Athletic Director Damon Evans told the Executive Athletic Board the project should not exceed $1 million and a final estimate will be available after more evaluation. He said the project will be funded by private donations.

Evans said the project, designed by Coursey Architects, could be ready by the fall if it moves quickly.

Adams and Evans said Dooley, an avid gardener, expressed interest in helping plant the shrubbery for his monument.

Dooley declined to comment, adding he would be “more flexible” talking about the project if it is approved by the regents.

Instead, he issued a news release.

“I want to express my sincerest appreciation to all those who were involved in this very special tribute,” Dooley said in the release. “I especially want to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who were directly responsible. Barbara and the family are very excited and appreciative and I want to express their gratitude as well.”

Adams said he expects project to fly through the Board of Regents.

“At this point be surprised if they didn’t (give approval),” Adams said. “We don’t ask the Athletic Board and the cabinet to do things that don’t have a high likelihood of passing through the regents.”