Marco Born Named LU Athletics Director
Marco Born has been named Lamar University Director of Athletics announced President Dr. Kenneth R. Evans Thursday morning. Born will take over for Norman Bellard who has been serving on an interim basis since November.“Mr. Born brings the student-athlete perspective and excellent administrator experience to his new role as athletics director at Lamar University,” said Dr. Evans. “His vision for the complementary relationship between athletics and academics is particularly impressive. Mr. Born has a passion for the role athletics can and should play in enhancing the overall university for students, staff and/or faculty as well as the community at large. I look forward to working with him as we build upon the rich tradition of Lamar University and its athletic programs.”
“In addition, I would also like to thank Norman Bellard for his hard work as the interim during the transition. I am extremely grateful for everything he has done for the athletics department these past few months,” added Dr. Evans.
Born comes to Beaumont after spending the previous four years at Louisiana Tech. He was named the senior associate athletics director for external affairs in August 2014 before being promoted to executive associate athletics director in July 2017. During his time in Ruston, Born oversaw the fundraising, marketing and promotions, ticket sales, multi-media rights, licensing and merchandising for Bulldog and Lady Techster athletics.
Born left a paper trail of success in Ruston as overall revenue for the department increased by 148 percent in fiscal year 2017, and overall fundraising revenue increased by 252 percent during that time.
Born also spearheaded a fundraising campaign that led to significant upgrades and renovations to the athletic facilities. Louisiana Tech opened the Davison Athletics Complex in September 2015, a 70,000-plus squad foot, $22-million facility located in the south end zone of Joe Aillet Stadium. The facility was referred to as a “game-changer” for Louisiana Tech University and its athletics department. Just a year after opening the complex, Louisiana Tech unveiled the plans for $18.6 million press box renovations and guest suite facility at Joe Aillet Stadium. In October 2015, Louisiana Tech also announced upgrades to their baseball and softball facilities, which included the installation of new playing surfaces at both venues.
“My family and I are very excited to be joining the Lamar University family,” said Born. “(Louisiana Tech Athletics Director) Tommy McClelland spoke very highly of Lamar from his time in the Southland Conference. Lamar University has experienced a great deal of success in the past, and continues to be successful. The more research I did the more excited I became about this opportunity. I believe Lamar University has great potential.”
A former standout tennis athlete at Middle Tennessee State, Born spent seven years at his alma mater serving in several different capacities. He joined MTSU athletics full time in June 2007 as a group sales and marketing representative before taking over as director of ticketing two years later. He was named assistant athletics director for ticketing and marketing in July 2011, and was promoted to associate athletics director in July 2013. During the 2013-14 season, MTSU increased overall ticket sales by 25 percent, and the women’s basketball program broke a school record for attendance by averaging nearly 5,000 fans per game – a number which ranked among the nation’s top 20.
Behind Born’s leadership, MTSU also saw significant improvements to its athletics facilities. Those projects included $1.4 million for new football playing surface, $11 million basketball arena renovation and new softball hitting facility. Prior to joining the athletics staff, Born originally made a name for himself as a standout athlete with the Blue Raiders. During his career, Born won a NCAA Doubles Championship and received All-American honors for his work on the court. He is also a member of the MTSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
What They Are Saying About Marco Born:
Tommy McClelland, Director of Athletics
Louisiana Tech
Marco is a rising star in the college athletics administration and, in my opinion, the ideal leader to advance Lamar's athletics program. He possesses a high degree of integrity and work ethic. His interpersonal and relational skills are outstanding and will enable him to quickly connect with Cardinal fans as well as campus and community leaders.
Brooks Hull, Vice President University Advancement
Louisiana Tech
Marco’s Leadership in fundraising has been a major contribution to the most significant period of philanthropic growth for athletics and the University.
Chris Massaro, Athletics Director
Middle Tennessee State
... a winner in every facet of his life from his family, to his athletic accomplishments, and now his administrative prowess.
Wren Baker, Vice President & Director of Athletics
North Texas
... a smart, ethical, hard-working athletic administrator with a passion for setting the culture required to win championships and develop young people.
Tom Burnett, Commissioner
Southland Conference
... a rising star in this business. Also, as a former standout athlete himself, Marco will always have the best interests of Lamar's student-athletes in mind.
Lane Burroughs, Head Baseball Coach
Louisiana Tech
... a tremendous family man that takes great pride in his work as an administrator. He displays a work ethic and professionalism that resonates ...
Mike Szul, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Finance, Administration and Planning
Rutgers University
He brings the same intensity that he had on the court to his job every day. His impact will be felt throughout athletics ...
Graham Neff, Deputy AD
Clemson University
Marco and his wife Emily will be a perfect fit for the Lamar University family. His work ethic, strategic thinking, and relationships have made him a rising star in collegiate athletics.
Ryan Ivey, Athletics Director
Austin Peay
... a phenomenal administrator, who I know will be a great Athletics Director. ... a tremendous person, committed to doing things the right way with integrity, honesty and transparency. His journey through intercollegiate athletics has provided him valuable insights, abilities and a network of people that he can lean on ...
Judy MacLeod, Commissioner
Conference USA
His experience as a highly accomplished student-athlete to his hands-on experiences in all aspects of administering a program have prepared him to excel as an athletics director.
Steve Lopes, Senior Associate AD
University of Southern California
Lamar University has made a great decision in making Marco Born their next athletic director. Marco is rising leader in our industry.
Posted on Thu, March 29, 2018 by James Dixon
