Greg McGarity, executive associate athletic director at the University of Florida, was named UGA director of athletics effective Sept. 1. McGarity was introduced by UGA President Michael F. Adams Aug. 13 at a news conference in the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.
An Athens native, McGarity graduated from UGA with a bachelor of arts degree in journalism in 1976. After beginning his career in the UGA Athletic Association, he joined the University of Florida in 1992, rising progressively through the positions of associate athletic director and senior associate athletic director to his current position of executive associate athletic director.
His duties at Florida included assisting the athletic director in the daily operations of the department, assisting in preparation and approval of the annual budget and extensive involvement in long-term planning, contracts, competition scheduling and employment searches, among other areas.
Citing McGarity’s top-level experience in one of America’s most successful athletic programs, Adams said McGarity understands UGA’s desire to compete and succeed at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics while maintaining a primary focus on the needs and success of student-athletes.
“Greg McGarity is an experienced senior athletic administrator who has spent his entire life in athletics and athletic administration,” Adams said “He has been involved in major personnel decisions at Florida, and I consider hiring the right people in the right positions to be the most important function of a senior administrator.”
At Florida, McGarity has been involved in the planning and supervision of construction projects, including the expansion of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and the William Heavener Football Complex.
At UGA, he was assistant athletic director for facilities and event management from 1988-1992, an administrative assistant from 1982-1988, head women’s tennis coach and assistant sports information director from 1977-1982, and a student assistant from 1973-1977. McGarity was a letterman on the 1973 UGA men’s tennis team.
“I look forward to continuing and furthering the academic and athletic excellence already exemplified by this great institution,” McGarity said. “I am excited about the opportunity to return home and to lead the athletic program at my alma mater, and particularly to work with our students, athletic staff, the UGA administration, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters.”
“Greg McGarity is an outstanding choice to be the athletics director at the University of Georgia,” said SEC Commissioner Mike Slive. “He has a deep appreciation for the history and traditions of the Southeastern Conference and has been a significant contributor to the conference for many years.”
