Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich Formally Announced as The University of Akron Director of Athletics

AKRON, Ohio - University of Akron (UA) President R.J. Nemer announced today that Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich has been named director of athletics, effective May 12, 2025.

Goodrich will join UA from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, N.C., where he has served as vice president and director of athletics since 2022. Gardner-Webb is a NCAA Division I school with 22 varsity programs and more than 500 student-athletes which competes primarily in the Big South Conference.

"I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Goodrich to the UA family," said Nemer. "I know he will bring energy, enthusiasm and innovation to the Athletics Department."

"It is with incredible enthusiasm that I accept this position," said Goodrich. "I am grateful for the trust that the search committee, President Nemer and the Board have in me and my leadership abilities. I cannot wait to get started."

At Gardner-Webb, Goodrich successfully installed a blueprint for student-athletes, coaches, and staff to develop a culture of competitive, civic, and academic excellence that led to unprecedented success. He transformed the department and established new revenue records for football ticket sales, men's and women's basketball ticket sales, corporate sponsorship sales, and athletics philanthropic giving.

Under his direction, the Gardner-Webb athletics' programs earned seven conference championships, seven Big South Conference Athlete of the Year award recipients and five Big South Coach of the Year accolades.

The Runnin' Bulldogs football program won back-to-back Big South–OVC Football Association championships in 2022 and 2023. The 2022 title marked the first conference championship in 19 seasons. In addition, the back-to-back championship runs resulted in two invitations to the NCAA FCS Playoffs and first "Sweet 16" and playoff victory in program history.

The Runnin' Bulldogs also claimed Big South Championships in women's basketball (2022-23), men's tennis (Spring 2023, Spring 2024 and Fall 2024), men's soccer (2024). The women's basketball program earned their first conference championship in 12 seasons and trip to NCAA Tournament, while men's tennis claimed three straight titles. The men's soccer program earned their first conference championship in 19 seasons, while claiming victories over Wake Forest and Oregon State en route to the first ever Top 25 national ranking in Top Drawer Soccer Magazine.

Prior to Gardner-Webb, Goodrich spent four years as deputy director of athletics and chief marketing officer at Syracuse University. In addition, Goodrich built a strong foundation of success at several stops, including roles at the University of South Florida, the University of Miami (Fla.) and The University of Notre Dame.

Goodrich earned a bachelor's degree in business from Cumberland University, an MBA in marketing management from The University of Notre Dame and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of South Florida.

Goodrich and his wife, Erika, have two Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Arielle and Charley.

The University of Akron Athletics

Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich Formally Announced as The University of Akron Director of Athletics

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