Florence, SC, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Francis Marion University has appointed Quin Monahan as its new director of athletics, starting on October 13. Monahan, with over 17 years of experience in college athletics, previously served at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where he led significant program transitions and achieved high academic standards for student-athletes. He succeeds Murray Hartzler, who is retiring after 25 years. FMU sponsors 17 intercollegiate sports and has recently seen numerous athletic successes, making this appointment significant for the university’s future.
Florence, SC – Quin Monahan has been appointed as the new director of athletics at Francis Marion University (FMU). The announcement was made on September 2, 2025, and Monahan is set to officially begin his new role on October 13, 2025. He succeeds Murray Hartzler, who is retiring after a notable 25-year tenure in the position.
Monahan will become the fourth director of athletics in FMU’s 56-year history. He brings over 17 years of experience in leading college athletics programs, primarily from his previous role as the athletics director at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). During his 13 years at USCB, Monahan successfully oversaw the transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to full NCAA Division II membership.
His leadership at USCB led to an expansion in sports offerings and significant enhancements to athletic facilities. He also maintained a commitment to academic excellence, ensuring that student-athletes achieved a department-wide grade point average (GPA) above 3.0. Monahan was poised to chair the Peach Belt Conference Athletics Director Committee for the 2025-26 academic year prior to his transition to FMU.
Before his time at USCB, Monahan served as the director of athletics at Belmont Abbey College from 2010 to 2012. He also held various leadership positions at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) from 2001 to 2010, where he gained recognition for leading the women’s swimming team to the 2009 NAIA national championship as the interim head coach.
Monahan’s educational background is diverse; he holds an associate degree in secondary education from Kansas City Kansas Community College, a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and a master’s degree in counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary.
At Francis Marion University, there are a total of 17 intercollegiate sports, with 16 programs competing in NCAA Division II and the men’s golf program in NCAA Division I. This past year has been a successful one for FMU athletics, with seven of the ten sports teams posting winning records and four teams advancing to NCAA Tournament play. The university has a longstanding tradition of NCAA postseason participation that dates back to 1992.
In terms of academic performance, FMU’s student-athletes excel in the classroom as well, maintaining a combined GPA of above 3.1, which is higher than the overall student body GPA.
Key Accomplishments of Quin Monahan
- 17+ years of experience in college athletics leadership
- Trustee of the Peach Belt Conference Athletics Director Committee for upcoming academic year
- Transition of USCB from NAIA to NCAA Division II
- Achievements in expanding sports offerings and facility upgrades
- Student-athlete GPA maintained above 3.0 at USCB
Background of Francis Marion University Athletics
Francis Marion University has established itself as a dynamic force in collegiate athletics, consistently demonstrating a commitment to both performance and academic excellence. The university has seen success at multiple levels of competition and remains dedicated to providing student-athletes with opportunities for growth, both on the field and in their academics.
FAQ Section
Who is Quin Monahan?
Quin Monahan is the newly appointed director of athletics at Francis Marion University, effective October 13, 2025. He has over 17 years of experience in college athletics leadership.
What was Quin Monahan’s role prior to FMU?
Monahan served as the athletics director at the University of South Carolina Beaufort for 13 years, where he oversaw the transition to NCAA Division II and maintained high academic standards for student-athletes.
What is the athletic structure at Francis Marion University?
FMU sponsors 17 intercollegiate sports, with 16 competing in NCAA Division II and one in NCAA Division I. The university has a strong tradition of success in athletics and academics.
How have FMU’s sports teams performed recently?
In the past year, seven out of ten sports teams at FMU have posted winning records, and four teams have advanced to NCAA Tournament play, continuing a tradition of postseason participation since 1992.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointee | Quin Monahan |
| Start Date | October 13, 2025 |
| Predecessor | Murray Hartzler |
| Years of Experience | 17+ |
| Prior Role | Athletics Director at USCB |
| NCAA Membership Transition | USCB from NAIA to NCAA Division II |
| FMU Sports Teams | 17 sports (16 NCAA Division II, 1 NCAA Division I) |
| Recent Performance | Seven teams with winning records; four NCAA Tournament appearances |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: FMU Director of Athletics Monahan New
- SCNow: Quin Monahan Appointed as FMU Athletics Director
- Wikipedia: Francis Marion University
- Google Search: Francis Marion University athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA
- Google News: Quin Monahan
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