On Tuesday, it was announced that longtime Vice President for Athletics Randy Mann would be stepping into a new role, and Dr. Mickey Kerr, the current UMHB Associate Dean of Exercise and Sport Science and Faculty Athletic Representative, would take over as the Vice President for Athletics. Mann, a former UMHB men’s golf coach, will now serve as the Manager for Athletics Events. This transition will take place at the end of the spring semester in June.
Since 2012, Mann has led UMHB to a place of national prominence, as the football team won a national championship, the women’s golf team captured an NCAA title as well as an individual title, and a total of 17 ASC Championships. Prior to that, he was named Associate Athletic Director in 2008. In 1999, he took over the men’s golf program, leading the Cru to its first ASC Championship victory in 2001. The impact he has had at UMHB cannot be put into words.
“This is a move I have been considering for some time and I really feel like God opened a door to give me this opportunity,” Mann said. “I am proud of all that we have accomplished as a department during my time as Vice President for Athletics and I am really looking forward to serving in this new role and having the chance to spend such valuable time with my family.”
“Randy’s investment in student-athletes has been significant and he has guided Cru Athletics to national championships and exemplary sportsmanship,” said UMHB Senior Vice President for Administration and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Steve Theodore. “UMHB’s name is known around the country in large part because of our athletic success.”
It certainly is. And Kerr understands the huge shoes he is being asked to fill. But it would hard to find someone more qualified to step into this role than Kerr, a former UMHB baseball player, head coach, and current professor. He founded UMHB’s Sport Management program, and has been a part of Cru athletics since 1980. As head coach of the baseball team, he won 130 games over two stints. In addition, he has been UMHB’s faculty athletics representative since 2018.
“I am humbled and excited for the privilege to return to Crusader Athletics and to follow the distinguished leadership established by Randy Mann ,” Kerr said. “I am grateful to our administration for the opportunity to work with the finest athletic department and a staff of coaches renowned for their expectation of excellence.”
There is no question about the work ethic and dedication to UMHB that Kerr will lead the department with. What was established by Mann will continue under the leadership of Kerr.
Next year will be the first in which UMHB has 16 varsity sports, with the addition of beach volleyball to the existing 15 sports.
