Joseph “Chip” Smith will be the new director of Athletics at Middle Georgia State University.
 
Jennifer Brannon, vice president for Student Affairs, made the announcement on Monday, April 17. Smith comes to MGA from the University of North Carolina Charlotte’s 49ers athletic program.
 
Prior to his work at UNC-Charlotte, he served in various capacities with the athletics departments of Western Carolina University, Morehead State University, Eastern Kentucky University, and Virginia Military Institute.
 
Smith will begin his new role at MGA on June 1, taking over the position vacated by Charles Mullis’ departure in 2016.  Since Mullis’ departure, the athletics director’s position has been held in interim by associate athletics director James Hagler.
 
“Chip’s leadership and experience as a director of athletics ensures that he will strengthen and grow our athletics department into a university-caliber program,” Brannon said.  “His enthusiastic passion for athletics and his commitment to student-athlete success is exciting as we move forward.”   
 
As director of Athletics, Smith’s responsibilities will include leadership for the overall direction and supervision of MGA’s multi-campus intercollegiate varsity athletics, club sports, and recreation and wellness programs.  With Smith’s direction, MGA is committed to developing and maintaining a program that promotes and reflects athletic success, a high level of integrity, and the successful academic achievement of the student athletes.  Middle Georgia State fields NAIA teams in baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, tennis, cross country, and volleyball as well as club teams in football and cheer.
 
“It is a privilege to join the team at Middle Georgia State University. The direction and leadership of the university have positioned the school to make remarkable strides in academics, athletics, and involvement in the region. I am very enthusiastic about what we can accomplish,” Smith said.  “We are delighted to be a part of the community and to have the opportunity to meet our student-athletes, coaches, staff and supporters, who are vital to the future success of Knights athletics.”
 
Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in education and his master’s degree in physical education with an emphasis in sports administration, both from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill where he also lettered in football.  Smith’s hiring is a result of a nationwide search conducted by Athletic Staffing & Consultants and Dr. Kurt Patberg.