Maryville University Names Manning As Director of Athletics

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ST. LOUIS, MO (06/02/2011)(readMedia)-- St. Louis-area native Marcus Manning has been named director of athletics at Maryville University in St. Louis, Mo., effective July 11. He will lead the Saints 18 varsity athletic teams, student athletes and coaches as Maryville anticipates assuming full status this fall as a member of NCAA Division II and the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).

Manning has served since 2008 at the headquarters of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as director of membership and legislative services.

"It's hard to overstate the positive impact that athletics plays within our campus community," said Mark Lombardi, PhD, president of Maryville. "In Marcus Manning, we've hired a proven leader who will ensure that all of our student athletes will enjoy the benefits of a top-flight education while competing in what is arguably the finest Division II conference in our nation."

Prior to joining the NAIA national office, Manning's work included eight years of recreation and athletic administration, first at the University of California, Irvine, as director of club sports and special events, and then at Indiana University - South Bend as assistant athletic director. His experience includes new program implementation, student leadership development, community relations, special event and game management, budget oversight, fundraising, corporate sponsorships, compliance and sports information.

"I am extremely humbled and honored to be the next director of athletics at Maryville University," Manning said. "I look forward to working at one of the great universities in the Midwest, building upon the established the Saints athletics program and returning home to the St. Louis area."

Manning earned his B.S. in business management from Quincy University in 1997 and his master's in sports administration at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville in 2001.

"I am very excited to welcome Marcus as our new athletics director," Nina Caldwell, PhD, vice president of Student Life and dean of students, said in announcing his appointment. "His experience, energy and leadership will be a great asset to Maryville University as we move forward."

Manning played quarterback at GLVC member Quincy from 1993-1996. At the completion of his career, Manning finished in the top 5 in 14 offensive categories in school history, including career completions (165) and career attempts (340). In 1995, he set the single-game record for most completions in a game with 28. Manning was invited to the National All-Stars Football Classic his senior season.

A former distinguished student-athlete at Jennings High School in Jennings, Mo., Manning has coached football at his alma mater and at Rosary High School in St. Louis.

About Maryville University

Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a four-year, private university located in St. Louis, Missouri and ranked by US News & World Report as one of America's Best Colleges in the Regional Universities - Midwest category. Maryville University students may choose from 50 academic programs, including degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Approximately 3,700 students are enrolled through the College of Arts and Sciences, the John E. Simon School of Business, the School of Health Professions and the School of Education.

Maryville has just completed its Provisional Year in the reclassification to NCAA Division II athletics, the final step/year in reclassifying from Division III. The University had been a member of NCAA Division III since 1978; 2008-2009 was its final year of affiliation with the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Over its 30-year history, Saints athletic program teams have made 15 appearances in NCAA post-season tournaments.