harrison’s tenure at Austin Peay was marked by significant achievements, including 13 sports championships and a prosperous transition for the Governors’ athletic programs from the Ohio valley Conference to the Atlantic sun in 2022.The university’s recent announcement of its move to the United Athletic Conference for all sports in 2026 further highlights Harrison’s strategic acumen in navigating conference realignments.

Marshall President Brad D. Smith expressed strong confidence in Harrison’s capabilities, stating, “Gerald Harrison embodies the values and vision we hold dear at Marshall University. 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 experience in collegiate athletics also includes previous roles within the athletic departments at duke and Tennessee. A native of Florence,South Carolina,he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in 2001.

Expressing his enthusiasm for joining the Marshall community,Harrison remarked,”I coudl 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.”

Harrison succeeds Christian Spears, whose contract with Marshall was not renewed. Spears, who was hired in 2022, oversaw Marshall’s transition from Conference USA to the Sun Belt, a period that included the Thundering Herd securing the Sun Belt football championship in December.