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NEW ORLEANS - University of New Orleans President Peter J. Fos announced today his appointment of a new athletic director for the University. New Orleans native and sports marketing executive
Derek Morel will join UNO as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Morel brings to UNO more than 17 years of experience working to advance college athletics, including senior leadership roles at the University of Georgia, the University of Pittsburgh, St. Bonaventure University, Tulane University and Wake Forest University. His career also includes three years at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, the oldest member of the University of Louisiana System.
"It is truly a privilege to join the University of New Orleans and President Fos' leadership team. President Fos and his team of bright, innovative administrators are building a foundation for long-term growth and success at UNO. I am eager to work in close collaboration with the university community to revitalize UNO Athletics, re-energize our students, alumni and fans and foster Privateer Pride in anyone willing to join our team."
Morel brings high-level sales, negotiation, marketing, administrative and fundraising skills to his new position and is expected to increase the number of corporate sponsorships and involvement of former student-athletes at UNO.
“Derek brings not only athletic administrative skills and experiences, but he brings a vast background in fundraising and working with corporate sponsors at multiple levels,” said President Fos. “I am confident that with Derek leading the athletic department that UNO will again achieve success as a Division I member institution. My goal is that UNO will be a premier university in everything it does, including athletics.”
Morel most recently served as the vice-president and general manager of Wake Forest IMG Sports Marketing of IMG College in Winston-Salem, N.C. He has also worked as general manager for International Sports Properties, Inc. advancing sports marketing for the University of Georgia and Tulane University. He served as senior associate director of athletics at Pittsburgh, associate athletic director for external relations at St. Bonaventure and assistant director of athletics for development at Northwestern State.
Morel is a graduate of Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero and Louisiana State University. He also holds a master's degree in sports administration and facility management from Ohio University. Morel is married and is the father of three young children.
UNO is currently competing as a NCAA Division I independent. Operating under a sport-sponsorship waiver received from the NCAA in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, UNO competes in 10 sports.
Morel was chosen as the University's new athletics director following a nationwide search coordinated by Richard Giannini, former athletic director at Southern Mississippi University, who also served ex officio on the committee. UNO Executive Director of Graduate Programs and former interim chancellor Joe M. King served as committee chair. Other members of the search committee included: James Lowry, faculty representative on the committee, assistant professor and chair of the geography department; David Sherman, chairman of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation; Mike Sapera, president of the Privateer Athletic Foundation; and Kennard Davis, Student Government Association representative.
TRANSACTION
University of New Orleans – Named
Derek Morel as athletic director. Morel had previously held the position of Vice President and General Manager of Wake Forest IMG Sports Marketing.
