Gerald Harrison departs Austin Peay, accepts AD position at Marshall

By: Casey Crigger July 28, 2025

Gerald Harrison, vice president and director of athletics at Austin Peay State University since July 2018, has accepted the position of vice president and director of athletics at Marshall University. Harrison’s departure marks the close of a transformative seven-year chapter in Austin Peay athletics, highlighted by visionary leadership, the enhancement of the student-athlete experience, and success in both the classroom and the field of competition.

Harrison’s final day at Austin Peay will be Aug. 15.

“Gerald made a significant impact on Austin Peay’s athletics program, taking an already strong department to new heights and helping our teams gain national recognition,” said APSU President Dr. Michael Licari. “His commitment to our student-athletes is demonstrated by their record-setting academic performance, their volunteer hours and success after graduation, and ultimately by the 13 championship trophies won during his era. All of us are thankful for his commitment to the university and the winning culture he helped cultivate. For me personally, I am grateful for the passion and energy he brought to campus every day. I have truly enjoyed cheering for the Govs alongside him. Although I will miss him, I – and everyone else at Austin Peay – wish him the best at Marshall.”

“I am deeply grateful to President Licari and the Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees for the incredible honor of entrusting me with the privilege of leading the crown jewel of this institution – Austin Peay Athletics,” said Harrison. “Together, we’ve built something special: championship moments, meaningful graduations, lives changed through sport, and an elevated student-athlete experience that reflects the heart of who we are. As we step into a new and rapidly changing era of college athletics, I have no doubt that Austin Peay is ready – not just to compete, but to lead. The foundation is strong, the vision is clear, and the Peayple are unmatched.

“To the entire Austin Peay family and the Clarksville/Montgomery County community –thank you for embracing me and my family and for standing behind Clarksville’s Hometown Team every step of the way. While we are excited about what lies ahead, Lisa, Torri, Lorri and I will always carry this place in our hearts. We leave with full hearts, lasting memories, and deep appreciation for everything that makes Austin Peay so remarkable.”

Harrison guided Austin Peay into a new era, with the Governors joining the Atlantic Sun Conference in July 2022 and set to join the United Athletic Conference for all sports in July 2026. Additionally, Harrison was at the forefront of moving the Austin Peay men’s and women’s basketball programs to F&M Bank Arena in downtown Clarksville after 48 seasons in the Winfield Dunn Center.

A commitment to the “Total Gov Concept” was a focal point during Harrison’s tenure at Austin Peay, with the athletics department emphasizing the growth of the student-athlete wellness division by adding the ���貹���ٳ���Գ�’s first nutritionist and sports psychologist while also creating the LeadHer program to support women’s athletics.

Student-athletes also excelled both academically and athletically under Harrison’s leadership, posting a 3.0 grade-point average over 16 consecutive semesters and winning 13 conference championships, including three of the four football conference titles in Austin Peay history.

Harrison also positioned Austin Peay for continued success with the relaunch and repurposing of the Victory Fund in July 2025. The Victory Fund, which was previously focused on the retention of coaches and staff, now prioritizes raising resources for competitive excellence and the recruitment and retention of student-athletes.

Additionally, Harrison led Austin Peay into a first-of-its-kind comprehensive partnership with Taymar Sales U. in June 2025. The partnership made Austin Peay the first school in the country to team up with Taymar across all three major revenue areas: sponsorships, ticket sales and operations, and annual giving.

“Austin Peay is unwavering in its commitment to athletics, the success of our student-athletes, and remaining a competitive force,” Licari stated. “We will stay focused and build on the momentum that Gerald created. The future of athletics at Austin Peay is promising and strong.”

Information about a national search for Austin Peay’s 15th director of athletics will be announced in the coming weeks, along with details about interim leadership for the athletics department.

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