Lowrey Named NGU Director of Athletics
Posted on: May 21, 2024
Tigerville, SC—North Greenville University has named Will Lowrey as the institution’s new Director of Athletics, effective June 1. Lowrey moves to NGU from Blue Mountain Christian University, where he had served as Athletic Director since June 2018.
In his role with NGU, Lowrey will provide oversight for the university’s NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic program, which includes 20 varsity sports teams, with 575 student-athletes. He will fill the post of long-time NGU coach and administrator Jan McDonald, who has served as Director of Athletics for more than three decades.
“We are delighted to welcome Will Lowrey to the NGU community and excited about continuing to build on the strengths of our athletic programs,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “He is stepping into a critical position in working with our coaches and the broader campus community. Will has repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to honor God in his leadership, building relationships and creating opportunities for student-athletes and their coaches to excel in all areas of life.”
Lowrey has directed a program with 18 varsity sports at Blue Mountain Christian. The private university in Blue Mountain, MS, is affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. Before joining Blue Mountain Christian, he was head baseball coach and director of development at Tupelo Christian Preparatory School in Tupelo, MS, for eight years.
“We give thanks for the Athletic Director search committee who worked diligently for months on this process,” said Rich Grimm, NGU Executive Vice President. “They found in Will someone who is passionate for leading a Christ-centered athletic program for God’s glory and the good of our student-athletes. We’re looking forward to serving alongside Will as he builds upon the legacy of Coach McDonald.”
“It is through steadfast prayer, faith, and obedience that I accept the call to serve North Greenville University,” Lowrey said. “I have committed my life to go where God is leading. It has been an emotional and spiritual experience. I am confident that He is leading me into this next chapter.”
The Tupelo, MS, native, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Delta State University in 1999. He completed a master’s degree in intercollegiate athletic administration from Western Kentucky University in 2016, and currently is pursuing a doctor of educational ministry degree in strategic planning through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
His journey to NGU in 2024 has included the passing of his wife, Jennifer, who died March 15 at the age of 48 after battling Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis for 23 years.
Jan McDonald, left, pictured with Will Lowrey.
“My daughter Jilanna and I would like to thank Dr. Fant, Rich Grimm, and all at NGU for their trust in me to lead us into the next chapter as the most competitive Christian university in the country,” Lowrey said. “I embrace the opportunity to honor Coach Jan McDonald’s legacy as a true Trailblazer.”
A varsity baseball player in college, Lowrey worked with sports-related companies in Mississippi for a decade before moving to coaching and athletics administration. He founded The Bigger Than Ball Foundation in 2016 and continues to serve as president of the foundation, which has a stated mission to “encourage and equip coaches to step back from their rigorous schedule to re-energize and reflect.”
During every year of his tenure at Blue Mountain Christian, the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) program has received the association’s Champions of Character Gold Star Award and has been honored with the Southern States Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Award.
What Others Are Saying
“Throughout Will Lowrey’s tenure as intercollegiate athletic director at Blue Mountain Christian University, he has led and served with a consistent commitment to Christ-centered excellence. This commitment has inspired and enabled coaches and student-athletes alike. We are grateful for his service to BMCU and wish him much success as he begins a new chapter at North Greenville University.”
– Dr. Barbara McMillin, President, Blue Mountain Christian University
“Knowing Will Lowrey over the past 15 years has made me a better man. Will is a man of character and integrity as I have seen first-hand what godly leadership looks like. We have served together at a school, through multiple ministries and I even had the opportunity to see Will serve families using his God-given gifts in the aftermath of multiple natural disasters. Congratulations to Will and NGU as I believe this will be a great union.”
– Stephen Tybor III, President/Founder, Eight Days of Hope
“Will is a proven championship coach, program builder, and leader. His faith has led him to have great vision that provides an amazing human touch.”
– Butch Thompson, Head Baseball Coach, Auburn University
“Congratulations to NGU on the hiring of Will Lowrey! Will is an outstanding leader, brings a wealth of experience, and will have an immediate positive impact on everyone associated with the department. There are great days ahead for all involved.”
– Jeremy McClain, Athletic Director, University of Southern Mississippi
“I am very impressed with Will’s genuine heart, his expectations for athletics, connecting with university departments and the community, and moving forward in all we do. He shows the genuine ability to provide mentorship for coaches to grow as godly leaders of our student-athletes, our university, and our community.”
– Jeff Farrington, NGU Head Football Coach
“Coach Lowrey has worked from the bottom up in a Christian education and athletics setting. He demonstrates that he is a person who would roll up his sleeves and get to work. Will is someone who our coaches can connect with, and he has a heart for serving not only student-athletes but the entire community.”
– Kelvin Long, NGU Head Women’s Basketball Coach
“Will’s ability to connect with the coaches and get us excited for the next chapter in NGU Athletics is impressive. I believe he is going to be driven, competitive, and dedicated – all while keeping our Christ-first mission at the forefront of everything that we do.”
– Corey Struss, NGU Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach
