Hampton University athletic director Eugene Marshall leaving for Binghamton University. ‘I loved my time at Hampton.’
Eugene Marshall, one of the most consequential athletic directors in Hampton University history, said Tuesday that he will leave HU in January to become the Director of Athletics at Binghamton University in New York.
Marshall, 63, has been the AD at Hampton since 2014. His tenure will best be remembered for the Pirates’ move in 2018 to the Big South Conference and then in 2022 to the Colonial Athletic Association.
When Hampton left the MEAC after 22 years to join the Big South, it became only the second Historically Black College and University not competing in a historically Black league. Hampton became the first HBCU in the history of the CAA, joined shortly after its admittance by MEAC and Big South compatriot North Carolina A&T.
“It was just time,” said Marshall, a New Jersey native returning to his roots after stints as athletic director at Iona University and Ramapo College in New York, in addition to a stretch as assistant AD at West Point in New York. “I felt that we were able to accomplish a lot here.
“Good academic standards for our student-athletes, championships along the way (including one women’s and two men’s MEAC basketball titles and NCAA appearances), generated some revenue, helped renovate some facilities and moved to two conferences.
“So, I think it’s time for another challenge. The move has a lot to do with my deep roots in New Jersey, so I’ll be three hours away instead of six.”
Marshall said that moving to the CAA was a highlight because former school president Dr. William R. Harvey had sought that for many years. He added that athletics at the school should continue to thrive under the leadership of Harvey’s successor, Darrell K. Williams, a retired United State Army Lieutenant General.
“He’s been nothing but supportive,” Marshall said. “He’s going to ensure that Pirates’ athletics is going to be ready to compete successfully in the CAA.
“I have all the confidence in the world that, under his leadership, Hampton will achieve the athletic success we all desire.”
Marshall said that he will remain at Hampton until about Jan. 3 because “I have a lot to do between now and then.” That is just two days before he becomes head of the athletic department at Binghamton.
Marshall said he is unsure what HU administration will do to replace him in the short term or long term but added, “I have all the trust and confidence they will make the best decision.
“I will support the university and department of athletics in any way I can, whether I’m sitting at this desk or in Binghamton.
“I’ve loved my time at Hampton. I’m going to miss Hampton, I’m going to miss the people, my staff, colleagues and most of all the student-athletes and coaches.”
