CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) Gerald Harrison was welcomed Monday as Austin Peay State University’s 14th athletics director. Following the press conference introducing Harrison, Austin Peay alumni, fans and supporters were part of a meet and greet in the Hall of Fame Lobby at the Dunn Center.
Harrison is taking the position formerly held by Ryan Ivey and will officially begin his new role August 15.
“I feel like there’s another trajectory and there’s a great opportunity to get on the Austin Peay train while it’s going forward. I’m growing as an administrator and I believe our athletics department is growing as well,” Harrison said.
Harrison, currently the senior associate director of athletics at Duke, was named the Governors’ athletics director on July 16. In his 10 seasons at Duke, Harrison has moved up the ranks, joining the Blue Devils in 2008 as assistant director of athletics responsible for the day-to-day operation of Duke’s football program. He was elevated to associate director of athletics in 2009, leading the department’s human resources office before moving to his current position in 2013.
APSU President Alisa White shared her excitement about the new director. “I’m thrilled to have Gerald Harrison on board as our Director of Athletics. Gerald is a leader and he’s a problem solver, He has broad and deep knowledge. He has direct hands on experience that will allow him to make a significant positive impact right away,” White said.
