University of Memphis Names New Athletic Director

News Summary

The University of Memphis has appointed Ed Scott as its new senior vice president and athletic director, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the first Black individual to hold this position. Scott brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including deputy athletic director at the University of Virginia. His arrival is seen as a transformative moment for Memphis athletics, and with a strong leadership team being assembled, there are high hopes for the future despite current challenges.

Exciting New Chapter at the University of Memphis

Memphis, get ready for some thrilling news! The University of Memphis has officially named Ed Scott as its new senior vice president and athletic director. This announcement came on a sunny Wednesday, and there’s definitely a buzz in the air as the university prepares for Scott’s formal introductory press conference, which is scheduled for this Friday. This is a big moment for both Scott and the Memphis community!

A New Leader with a Bright Vision

At just 44 years old, Ed Scott is making waves and bringing fresh energy to the Tigers! A native of Kingston, New York, he is stepping into the role following the departure of former athletic director Laird Veatch, who recently took on a position at Missouri after more than four years at Memphis.

Scott comes to Memphis eager to dive in and make an impact. He’s talked about how the University of Memphis has always been on his radar, and he sees it as a fantastic destination. With exceptional student-athletes, dedicated coaches, and a supportive staff, Scott believes that amazing things can be accomplished here, especially in a city that’s motivated and passionate about its sports.

Making History in Memphis

In an important milestone for the university, Ed Scott will be the eighth athletic director in the organization’s history and notably the first Black individual to fill this key role. This marks a progressive step for the university, as Scott becomes the third athletic director since 2012, bringing a fresh perspective to the program.

Prior to his new position, Scott was the deputy athletic director at the University of Virginia, where he worked on various program areas like sports medicine, strength and conditioning, and nutrition. His leadership there paved the way for significant success, and he has a proven track record of excellence. Before that, he held the title of vice president and athletic director at Morgan State, where he was able to secure a record-breaking $2.7 million donation to reinstate the wrestling program. It’s clear that Scott knows how to make waves in the world of collegiate athletics!

A Competitive Search

It wasn’t an easy decision for the University of Memphis. Scott was chosen from a competitive pool of candidates that included interim AD Jeff Crane, Tennessee deputy AD Ryan Alpert, Buffalo AD Mark Alnutt, and Kansas State Alumni Association president Adam Walker. University president Bill Hardgrave expressed excitement about Scott’s arrival and the need for a transformative leader in the athletic department.

The university’s search included assistance from a reputable executive search firm and a six-person advisory committee encompassing various board trustees and executives from prominent companies like FedEx and Nike. This collaborative effort showcases how serious the university is about paving a fresh path forward.

Building a Strong Leadership Team

Scott is already rolling up his sleeves and forming his executive leadership team to support the new vision for Memphis athletics. He’s brought in Katherine Sulentic as deputy athletic director for regulatory affairs, who has an impressive background with over 14 years of experience in NCAA enforcement. She will focus on compliance and student-athlete development, ensuring that everyone stays on the right track.

Additionally, Cooper Jones has joined as deputy AD and chief revenue officer, with a wealth of experience in university fundraising and administration. Jailyn Wilson has been promoted to assistant AD for finance, further solidifying the strong leadership team that will drive success.

Facing Challenges with Optimism

While navigating to new heights, the University of Memphis is currently under an NCAA investigation concerning potential academic misconduct. However, with Scott at the helm and the entire athletic department eager to rise to the occasion, there’s a sense of optimism about the road ahead. The Memphis community is buzzing with excitement, and everyone is ready to see what this new chapter will bring for their beloved Tigers!

In conclusion, buckle up, Memphis! With Ed Scott leading the way, there are great things on the horizon for the University of Memphis and its athletic programs. Let the games begin!

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Additional Resources

• Commercial Appeal: Ed Scott Named Athletic Director
• Wikipedia: Ed Scott
• Go Tigers Go: Leadership Hires Announcement
• Google Search: Ed Scott University of Memphis
• Daily Memphian: Athletic Director Candidates Search
• Google Scholar: Ed Scott Athletic Leadership
• Local Memphis: Ed Scott and the PAC-12
• Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Memphis
• Action News 5: New Athletic Director Decision
• Google News: University of Memphis Athletics