GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — Dr. Scott Hummel, president of Tusculum University, has appointed Josh Ealy as vice president of athletics. Ealy has served as TU’s director of athletics since April 2023.
Ealy oversees the day-to-day operations of the Tusculum athletic department and the 23 sports the University sponsors. He serves on the University’s cabinet and the South Atlantic Conference Athletic Directors Leadership Committee.
“When I first met Josh, I was impressed with his professionalism, skill and intelligence,” said Hummel. “The last four years have only reinforced my admiration for these attributes. Josh is an exceptional leader for our athletic department, and our student-athletes, coaches and athletic administration staff are benefiting from his insight and modeling of our mission. I anticipate continued success on all levels for our athletic program with Josh at the helm. As a member of our Executive Cabinet, he also provides valuable counsel on matters affecting the university as a whole.”
In the short time since his return, he has overseen enhancements and improvements in athletic facilities, game day operations, communications, development, fundraising and athletic enrollment coordination.
Ealy returned to his alma mater last April after serving as the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at NCAA Division I Charleston Southern University. While at CSU, he was responsible for facilitating development operations for the Buc Club and corporate sponsorships while also being responsible for management and advancement of ticket operations, branding, promotions and game experience.
Ealy previously served as TU’s Director of Athletic Development from 2018-2020 and then Assistant Athletic Director from 2020-2022. He was responsible for the athletic department’s business management while also coordinating game-day operations and fundraising efforts. The Greeneville, Tennessee native led the Pioneer Club, which works to raise funds for the athletic department through connections with parents, alumni, staff and other supporters of the University.
“I want to thank Dr. Hummel for continuing to entrust me with the athletic department. Having a president that not only supports, but shares the mission and vision of this department positively impacts our student-athletes, coaches, and athletic administration,” said Ealy. “We will continue to advance this department by producing graduates and competing for championships.”
Ealy has served on numerous committees including the Tusculum’s COVID-19 Taskforce, Homecoming Planning Committee, Greene County Sports Council and was on the board of directors for the Greene County United Way.
Ealy has also worked at both the NCAA Division I and II levels of intercollegiate athletics. From 2009-2012, he served as an assistant basketball coach at Carson-Newman University where his responsibilities included alumni relations, fundraising, and student-athlete recruitment.
He was on the men’s basketball coaching staff at Appalachian State University from 2007-2009. He started as a graduate assistant before being promoted to full-time assistant coach in his second season.
Ealy was a student-athlete on the Tusculum basketball program from 2004-2007. In his sophomore campaign, the Pioneers posted an 18-11 record to capture the South Atlantic Conference Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
Ealy earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Tusculum University. In 2007, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in sport management and Master of Arts in organizational training & performance management in 2022.
He is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Directors Association (NACDA) and the Division II Athletic Directors Association (D2ADA).
Ealy is married to the former Carrie Miller, a 2006 Tusculum graduate and former Pioneer volleyball student-athlete (2002-2004). They are the proud parents of son Jaxton and daughter Caroline.
Source: Tusculum University
