WESTMINSTER, Md. - McDaniel College Provost Flavius R.W. Lilly, Ph.D. has announced that Jeremy Shepherd, who joined McDaniel College as assistant athletics director in August 2022, has been promoted to director of athletics.
 
"I am thrilled to announce Jeremy Shepherd as the new Athletics Director," said Lilly. "He distinguished himself during a competitive national search with his impressive background and experience, which make him exceptionally qualified to lead our athletics program. As Provost, I look forward to partnering closely with Jeremy to support our student-athletes and to elevate the athletics department."
 
As Assistant Athletics Director, Shepherd assisted in creating a new department strategic plan and had direct responsibility for the oversight and management of 11 intercollegiate sports, including football. He also oversaw facility operations and athletic communications while managing game and outside use contracts as well as officials. He served as a Centennial Conference administrative delegate and sports administrator for softball.

"I am honored and humbled by this tremendous opportunity to lead McDaniel College Athletics," said Shepherd. "We have a talented group of coaches, staff, and student-athletes along with a passionate and supportive alumni base. McDaniel is a special place with plenty of potential and I am grateful to President Jasken, Dr. Lilly, Dean Towle and the entire search committee for their belief and confidence in my strategic vision as we continue the climb to reach new heights here on the Hill."
 
Shepherd came to McDaniel after spending seven years as the Senior Associate Athletics Director at Wilson College from 2015-22. He had direct oversight of men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, and women's soccer. He assisted in the creation and execution of two strategic plans for the athletics department, served as the NCAA compliance officer, helped create and implement a department policies and procedures handbook, served as department liaison with college admissions, financial aid, alumni and marketing and communications. He also oversaw tremendous growth in athletic communications initiatives.
 
"Throughout the search process, it was clear to the committee just how invested Jeremy is in the success of our student-athletes, the athletics department, and McDaniel College," said Dean of Students Liz Towle. "All of his professional experiences have prepared him for this important role, and I could not be more excited for him and for the McDaniel College community."

Shepherd also spent two years as the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications at Houghton College, worked in athletic development at Bowling Green State University and has 20 years of college coaching experience, including stops at Centennial Conference member Gettysburg College, Pittsburg State University and Ohio Northern University.
 
Shepherd received a Bachelor of Science in sports management from Ohio Northern in 2006 and his Master of Business Administration from Tiffin University in 2010.
 
A native of Lima, Ohio, Shepherd and his wife, Annette, who is the Senior Woman Administrator and Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness at Gettysburg College, reside in Gettysburg and have two daughters, Skye and Sierra.