Columbus State University has named Justin Hay as its next director of athletic. Hay joins the Cougars from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, where he has served as deputy athletic director for external relations.

“I want to thank Dr. Rayfield and the search committee for their confidence in me to lead Columbus State Athletics,” Hay said. “Columbus State is a remarkable institution with a proud athletic tradition, and I’m honored to be a part of its continued growth and success. My family and I are thrilled to join the Columbus community—we’re ready to make this our home and contribute both on and off campus in meaningful ways.”

He brings a proven track record of success in fundraising, facility development and external relations to his new role leading Columbus State’s 13 NCAA Division II sports programs.

“I was impressed by Justin’s work ethic, enthusiasm and track record of success at Lenoir-Rhyne, which has the reputation as a top-notch Division II athletic program,” said Columbus State President Stuart Rayfield. “I am excited for him to take Cougar Athletics to the next level.”

Since June 2019, Hay has steadily risen through the ranks of Lenoir-Rhyne’s athletic department, initially as its assistant athletic director for corporate relations, facilities and game day operations. His responsibilities grew to overseeing external operations and the Bears Club, the department’s fundraising arm, and later to include his current external relations duties.

Lenoir-Rhyne University is home to 23 Division II athletic programs and more than 700 student-athletes who compete primarily in the South Atlantic Conference. Hay’s accomplishments have included:

• Record-breaking fundraising and revenue generation: raised consecutive record external revenue (over $2.2 million in 2022-23 and $2.7 million in 2023-24)—including significant Bears Club giving and corporate sponsorship growth.

• Successful innovative events: spearheaded new events raising, one raising over $225,000 by its second year, and received The National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators awards for event revenue generation, attendance, community engagement and fundraising.

• Transformative facility development: oversaw numerous athletic facility upgrades valued at more than $28 million—the largest being the comprehensive $18 million football stadium renovation, completed in under a year.

• Strategic sponsorship growth: increased corporate sponsorship dollars by 40% through marketing diversification and leveraging new technology like video boards for enhanced sponsor recognition.

• Comprehensive leadership: demonstrated strong leadership in external operations, including the Bears Club, corporate relations, game day operations and external communications—contributing significantly to the overall financial health and visibility of Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics.

Before Lenoir-Rhyne, Hay spent five years as an assistant baseball coach and three years as the assistant director of athletics for operations at Southwest Mississippi Community College. During his time there, he successfully raised capital for facility improvements, increased annual fundraising by 300%, enhanced community engagement by creating the Bear Cubs Club, initiated an Adidas apparel deal and launched a live streaming service for games.

Hay holds a bachelor’s degree from Faulkner University (Montgomery, Alabama) and a master’s degree in sports management and sports events security from Southern Mississippi. He and his wife, Ali, have two school-aged daughters, Caldwell and Scottie.

Hay will officially begin his Columbus State tenure on May 19.