Commerce, Texas – Texas A&M University-Commerce President Dr. Dan R. Jones announced Tim McMurray as the new Director of Athletics at a press conference in the Sam Rayburn Student Center Thursday afternoon.
 
"Tim McMurray is a talented, creative, and energetic addition to the Lion leadership team," Jones said.  "His experience is both broad and deep, and his passion for excellence is boundless.  Look for great things to come under his leadership."
 
A&M-Commerce is coming off the most successful season in department history after six Lone Star Conference Championships in 2014-15.
 
"To be certain, it is a blessing and a privilege to be appointed as Director of Athletics at Texas A&M University-Commerce," McMurray said.  "The combination of Dr. Jones' vision and expectations for athletics, the tireless efforts of the outstanding search committee led by Alicia Currin, and the spirit of collaboration on campus and in this community make it an outstanding opportunity."
 
"Another appeal of this position was the excellent foundation laid by Ryan Ivey and his administrative team, and we will take the baton and build on that momentum," McMurray added.
 
McMurray will assume the role of Director of Athletics in Commerce on October 10.
 
"Our Lion student-athletes deserve a best in class experience," McMurray said.  "The interview process taught me that we have an institution that is committed to that paradigm, and we will work hard, smart, and together to maximize our opportunities and resources to provide that experience.   It is a thrill to be a Lion!"
 
"I am particularly pleased with the thoroughness and transparency of the search process," said Alicia Currin, A&M-Commerce Vice President for Business and Administration and the chair of the seven-member campus search committee.  "The committee, with the assistance of search firm Athletics Staffing & Consultants, interviewed numerous applicants for the position.  In the end, Tim McMurray was chosen based on his professional skills, energy, integrity and operational experiences."
 
McMurray brings over 26 years of progressive leadership experience intercollegiate athletics and a diverse portfolio highlighted by his work in higher education philanthropy and external relations for the University of Maryland, SMU, Northern Illinois, Texas State, and Lamar (his undergraduate alma mater).
 
Most recently McMurray was the founder and CEO of Rainmakers 123, which he launched to provide a path for those rising stars in higher education and intercollegiate athletics looking for career advancement and professional development opportunities.  McMurray helped institutions at the Division I, Division II, III and NAIA level with solutions-based mechanisms in the areas of personnel searches, external unit structure, development and marketing initiatives, strategic plans, budget management/cost containment, corporate sales and fulfillment, and strategic communications programs.
 
McMurray began his career in athletics at Lamar University (1992-2000) and served in a myriad of positions within the athletics department.  After working in the department as an undergraduate, he served as associate and sports information director (1993-96) and then was promoted to Assistant Athletics Director/External Affairs, where he also served as the sports supervisor for women's basketball and the men's and women's golf programs.
 
McMurray followed up his stint at Lamar with a six-year stay at Texas State University as the Associate Athletics Director – Development/External Affairs where he continued his external role within college athletics and his sport supervision role.  After his stay in San Marcos, McMurray headed north for a position as the Senior Associate Athletics Director at Northern Illinois University where he had direct oversight of a 16-member external staff – major gifts, annual giving, corporate sales, marketing, brand management, strategic communications and tickets sales. 
 
McMurray relocated back to Texas in 2010 with a three-year stint at Southern Methodist University as the Associate Athletics Director – Development and External Affairs/Director – Mustang Club.  He continued along the external and fundraising rout with major contributions to upgrading the SMU athletics facilities.  McMurray then transitioned into the role of the Senior Associate Athletics Director – External Affairs at the University of Maryland for a year where he was the Executive Director of the Terrapin Club Scholarship Fund.
 
In addition to a Masters in Sports Administration from Ohio University, McMurray is a 1992 graduate of Lamar and is also a 2001 graduate of the Sports Management Institute.  He has also completed the NACDA Executive Leadership Institute and the Division IA Athletics' Director Mentoring Institute.
 
McMurray and his wife, Vickie, have two daughters – Maya (20) and Marley (15) - and a Yorkie Poo named Bailey (5).
 
The Lions are in the midst of thrilling start to 2015-16 with the football team (3-1, 2-0) ranked No. 18 in the NCAA. On the soccer field head coach Neil Piper has already knocked off one top-10 team and atop the LSC standings. The volleyball team just strung together one of the best months of September in program history, while the cross country teams continue to build for the LSC Championship.  Winter sports, men's basketball, women's basketball and indoor track and field, are slated to begin in November, while spring sports, softball, golf and outdoor track and field teams awaiting their turn to see action in February.
 
Fans can follow all the action from the 2015-16 season on www.LionAthletics.com, through twitter @Lion_Athletics and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LionsAthletics.