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UNC Pembroke names Scott Byrd director of athletics

By Staff Report, posted Apr 1, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Scott Byrd

UNC Pembroke has named Scott Byrd director of athletics. Byrd is a seasoned Division I leader with a track record of building programs, driving revenue growth and elevating the student-athlete experience.

Byrd becomes the university’s 11th director of athletics, arriving at a time of unprecedented and continued momentum for BraveNation. He officially assumes the role on June 15.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to join UNCP as the next director of athletics,” Byrd said in a press release. “This is a university with a rich history, a deeply rooted connection to its community and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete success.”

He pointed to the program’s upward trajectory and strong foundation as key factors in his decision.

“I look forward to building on the incredible foundation already in place and leading the Braves into a new era of championship excellence,” Byrd added in a press release. “I personally want to thank Chancellor Cummings for his belief in my vision and for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity.”

Byrd currently serves as executive associate athletic director for external affairs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he oversees all external operations, including marketing, strategic communications, ticketing, branding, multimedia rights and digital production.

Byrd’s appointment follows a comprehensive national search led by Coach4Aday and founder Dan Kenney, who previously served UNCP as both chief of staff and director of athletics. Kenney partnered with a 14-member search committee composed of representatives from across campus and the broader BraveNation community.

Jess Boersma, chief of staff and vice chancellor for strategic initiatives, chaired the committee and said Byrd’s leadership and vision for the future of college athletics stood out throughout the process.

“Scott understands how to build a program that competes at a high level while staying grounded in student success,” Boersma said in a press release. “He brings the experience, perspective and energy needed to lead our athletics program into its next chapter.”

Byrd holds a Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Change from Pfeiffer University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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