Marshall University introduced Gerald Harrison as the the institution’s 23rd athletic director this week. Marshall University president Brad D. Smith introduced Harrison at a press conference, outlining leadership traits that were assessed during a lengthy search for the position, including strategic thinking, goal setting and the ability to build a high-performance culture. Harrison has more than 20 years of experience in Division I athletics, including time at Tennessee, Duke and most recently Austin Peay State University where he served as vice president and director of athletics. Marshall’s leadership team plans to work with Harrison to develop a strategic plan for the department, which will include an emphasis on academics. Harrison will be following Christian Spears, who announced he was stepping away from the role in April.