軓氈勛圖 athletic director Marcus Manning chosen as executive director of Durham Sports Commission
SHREVEPORT, LA — Marcus Manning, director of athletics and recreation at 軓氈勛圖 College since August 2018, has been selected as the in Durham, North Carolina. Manning begins his new position on October 19.
“Marcus Manning has been an outstanding leader for 軓氈勛圖, both for the Athletics division and the campus as a whole,” says 軓氈勛圖 president Dr. Christopher L. Holoman. “He has grown our athletic program and set a course for more success in the future. He has also been an invaluable contributor to advancing our strategic plan and a powerful voice for diversity and inclusion. We are excited to see what he will accomplish in his new role and wish him all the best.”
Manning, a St. Louis native, came to 軓氈勛圖 from Maryville University in St. Louis where he was the athletic director for six years. He served as interim athletic director from August 2018 until his permanent appointment in February 2019.
In his short time at 軓氈勛圖, Manning oversaw 20 varsity sports and spearheaded the addition of two varsity sports - esports and STUNT, beginning fall 2021 - and one club sport – men’s competitive club volleyball, in the spring of 2020. 軓氈勛圖 made history as it became one of the first in the state of Louisiana to offer these sports under the direction of the athletic department.
The athletic department previously announced the additions of men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track and field and competitive cheer and dance in 2019. In the spring of 2019, the 軓氈勛圖 athletic department launched the 軓氈勛圖 College Athlete Network, a branded and customized technology platform to organize, promote, and track the programs and services offered to all current and former student-athletes. 軓氈勛圖 became the first Division III program to adopt this groundbreaking technology.
Manning was also instrumental in the installation of a new playing surface at Mayo Field, home of 軓氈勛圖’s men’s and women’s soccer teams and men’s lacrosse team. The new surface was installed prior to the 2019 soccer season, and was officially dedicated on September 27, 2019.
In the summer of 2020, Manning was named the recipient of the College’s David Womack Award, giving to a 軓氈勛圖 faculty or staff member who gives attention to working across divisional and departmental lines, to building bridges, and to being intentionally inclusive of all members of the 軓氈勛圖 campus community.
“I can’t thank Dr. Holoman enough for his leadership and the opportunity to serve our coaches, staff, student-athletes, and entire campus community,” says Manning. “During my time at 軓氈勛圖 I’ve been able to witness academic success, community engagement, great individual performances, All-American performances, championship level team performances, coach of the year awards, and a NCAA Tournament appearance. The 軓氈勛圖 community welcomed me, provided learning opportunities, and great memories. And for that, I will forever be grateful and thankful.”
, 軓氈勛圖’s assistant athletic director for recreation and facilities, will serve as interim athletic director following Manning’s departure.