Marshall University Appoints Gerald Harrison as Athletic Director
Marshall University announced the appointment of Gerald Harrison as its new athletic director on March 4, 2024. He takes over from Christian Spears, whose contract was not renewed after his tenure, which included overseeing the school’s transition from Conference USA to the Sun Belt.
Harrison comes to Marshall after a successful seven-year period at Austin Peay, where he led the athletic department to secure 13 sports championships, including three in football. Under his leadership, the Governors transitioned from the Ohio Valley Conference to the Atlantic Sun in 2022. Looking ahead, Austin Peay plans to join the United Athletic Conference for all sports beginning in 2026.
In a statement, Marshall’s president, Brad D. Smith, expressed confidence in Harrison’s capabilities. “Gerald Harrison embodies the values and vision we hold dear at Marshall University,” he stated. “His track record of championship performance, strategic innovation, and people-first leadership stood out at every step of our national search. What impressed me most was Gerald’s unwavering belief that athletics is not just about wins and losses; it’s about building a culture of excellence, elevating student-athletes and uniting a community.”
Harrison’s extensive background includes various roles within the athletic departments at Duke University and the University of Tennessee. A native of Florence, South Carolina, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Tennessee in 2001.
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Harrison remarked, “I could not be more excited to be a member of the Herd and the Huntington community. I’m honored to stand on the shoulders of so many great leaders and work together to use our rich tradition and history to build a bright future — not just for Marshall athletics, but for the entire university and our community.”
Spears, who was appointed in 2022, played a vital role in guiding Marshall through significant changes. Under his leadership, the Thundering Herd achieved a notable milestone by winning the Sun Belt football championship in December 2022.
Harrison’s appointment marks a new chapter for Marshall athletics, as he aims to leverage his success at Austin Peay to foster growth and achievement at Marshall University. His vision for the future highlights the importance of community engagement and the development of student-athletes.
