Scott McDonald resigns as Louisiana-Monroe athletic director effective Sept. 1
Scott McDonald resigned as Louisiana-Monroe athletic director, the university announced on Monday.
He will officially step down from all duties effective Sept. 1, the four-year mark of his time with the Warhawks. An interim AD was not announced as the national search for a replacement begins.
"During the past four years, I have seen the athletic department grow and achieve success on several different fronts," McDonald said in a school release. "With the near-completion of a comprehensive athletic strategic plan, I believe the timing is right to return to the financial services industry and allow new leadership the opportunity to execute a well-designed plan for athletics."
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McDonald was in the financial services industry for 35 years before joining the ULM staff, specializing in commercial banking. He took over as AD in 2019 after previous role as chief administrative officer and interim AD.
"Under Scott's leadership, ULM has seen tremendous growth and success in our athletic programs, from facilities, academics, staffing, athletes, coaches, and funding," ULM President Ron Berry said. "He has positioned us well to move to the next level of competition on and off the field as we continue to seek excellence in all we do."
Although he was involved heavily in the world of Warhawks athletics prior to taking on the AD responsibilities, McDonald said that the past four years has been a relay race.
"My responsibility was to run as long and as fast as I possibly could and put this team in a better position," McDonald said. "I feel like our athletic department is in a tremendous position right now and it's time for me to pass the baton to the next leader."
The McDonald leadership
In the past three years that McDonald has served as athletic director, ULM athletics has been seen an increase in community impact, in the classroom and on the field.
The accomplishments outside of the sports are his proudest achievement, McDonald said, including a 3.36 GPA among the various teams in the spring of 2022.
Notably, he was responsible for the hiring of football coach Terry Bowden.
"We have worked very very hard in the time that I've been here," Bowden said. "He will be very hard to replace."
Emely Hernandez covers University of Louisiana-Monroe athletics and high school sports. Email her at ehernandez@thenewsstar.com and follow her on Twitter @emhernandeznews.
This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: After four years, Scott McDonald resigns as ULM athletic director
