�鶹����

�鶹���� is excited to announce the appointment of Daron Montgomery as its new Vice President for Athletics. Montgomery, a 1995 graduate of �鶹����, brings a wealth of experience in NCAA Division I, II and III athletics, and a track record of success to the Bears’ athletic program.

Montgomery joins �鶹���� from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he served as Vice President for Athletics for the past nine years. Montgomery's tenure at Division II Saint Anselm saw him guide 23 varsity teams and more than 600 student-athletes to success within the Northeast 10 Conference. Under his leadership, the Hawks achieved numerous successes, including conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances and academic honors. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Daron Montgomery home to �鶹����,” said Dr. Fred Whitt, president of �鶹����. "His passion for student-athlete development, commitment to academic excellence, proven leadership abilities and commitment to Lenior-Rhyne make him the ideal person to lead our athletics program into the future."

Prior to Saint Anselm, Montgomery held the position of Director of Athletics at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He also has served in various positions, including Senior Associate Athletic Director, at the University of Detroit Mercy.

“During my short time visiting campus, it was inspiring to meet so many individuals who share a passion for �鶹����, and I left with an immense sense of pride in my alma mater,” said Montgomery. “I am grateful to President Whitt and the search committee for their confidence in my leadership. It will be an honor to both captain the Bears athletics department and serve the �鶹���� community.” 

Montgomery holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sports management from �鶹���� and a Master of Arts in Athletic Administration from Ball State University. Montgomery is married to Karen, and they have three children: Bailey, 18; Izzy, 16; and Jack, 12.

�鶹���� partnered with Collegiate Sports Associates, a leading athletics executive search firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and its president, Drew Turner, on the search. 

“I would like to thank CSA and Drew for their outstanding work in partnering with us and leading this search,” said Whitt.  “Our search committee, led by Andy Anderson, did an outstanding job reviewing candidates and recommending the finalists who were invited to campus for interviews. We had an incredible candidate pool who were attracted to �鶹���� and viewed this opportunity as one of the top positions in NCAA Division II.”

A press conference will be held Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. in the McGeachy Sports Performance Center to meet Montgomery and his family, and he will officially begin his role at �鶹���� on Monday, Jan. 13. 

�鶹���� �鶹����
�鶹���� is a nationally recognized, private university located in Hickory, North Carolina. �鶹���� offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, education, nursing, and more. The Bears compete in NCAA Division II and are members of the South Atlantic Conference.