As the 2024–25 athletic and fiscal years come to a close, GSEagles.com sat down with Director of Athletics Chris Davis to reflect on his first few months at the helm and discuss what's ahead for Georgia Southern Athletics.
REFLECTING ON YEAR ONE:
What has surprised you most in your first few months as Director of Athletics at Georgia Southern?
CD: First off, thanks for sitting down with me. I really appreciate it.
What stands out most from my first few months in this role is how grateful I am to be here. While this is my first job as an AD, I've been part of Georgia Southern since 2020, so I came in with a strong sense of who we are.
Eagle Nation is more than a slogan. It's our student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans, donors and university leadership. It's a community, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of it in a leadership role. Of course, stepping into the "big chair" comes with new responsibilities. I have to give credit to former AD Jared Benko, who, in my previous role as Deputy AD/COO, gave me a lot of autonomy. So, in many ways, I was given opportunities that helped prepare me for this role. But the full weight of the position? You only feel that once you're in it.
On that note, two things have stood out: how I manage my time and the influence my words now carry.
Every moment counts. Whether I'm investing in people, showing up at events, or advancing our strategies, how I choose to spend my time has a direct impact on this community.
When I stepped into this role, one of the first challenges was backfilling my previous position. We were fortunate to bring in Dr. Ryan Hall as our Executive Deputy AD/COO. He hit the ground running and is doing a phenomenal job. But even with someone that talented, it takes time to get fully acclimated. The best way to support Ryan is by spending time with him to ensure he understands everything that Eagle Nation stands for.
At the same time, we've had other key personnel changes across the department. All of that takes time, energy, and attention. And the reality is, the sports calendar doesn't pause for staffing transitions. Seasons keep moving, and you've got to be ready to move with them. Your time becomes your most valuable asset. How you allocate your time determines your impact, whether it's investing in people, attending events, or driving strategy.
I've also realized just how closely people listen. A casual comment can suddenly feel like a directive when it comes from the AD. That kind of influence is a responsibility I take seriously and has made me more self-aware when communicating across the department. I've always tried to lead with empathy, and while my title may have changed, who I am at my core hasn't…and won't.
What's been your proudest moment since stepping into this role?
CD: There have been a lot of meaningful moments, but three things come to mind right away. First, I felt genuinely prepared, and I know that's not a place you can get to alone. It reflects the remarkable mentors, colleagues and teammates who generously shared their knowledge, love — including the tough love when needed — and guidance that have profoundly shaped my career.
Second, we've built a strong internal alignment with our coaches, staff, and student-athletes, as well as external alignment with campus leadership, fans and donors. That sense of shared vision is powerful.
And third, seeing that alignment in action. A great example was our final departmental meeting of the year, which was attended by all staff and coaches. The energy in the room was incredible. We felt connected, appreciated and inspired. Or, as some of our younger staff put it, the meeting had great vibes. To me, that's a culture being lived.
On the competitive front, there is a lot to be proud of. Our rifle team made history by competing at the NCAA Championships in Lexington. Women's golf had a breakthrough season, culminating in a deep postseason run that led to their first trip to the NCAA Finals in California. Meanwhile, track & field sent a student-athlete to Oregon to compete on the national stage at the NCAA Championship. We achieved our highest-ever finish and scored the most points in the Learfield Directors' Cup since transitioning to the FBS a decade ago. Furthermore, we tied the department record with the highest GPA for the year and had several programs break their team GPA records!
These are exciting moments, no doubt, but more importantly, they reflect the upward trajectory we're on. It's proof that our student-athletes, coaches and staff are building something sustainable and special.
CULTURE AND STANDARDS:
How would you describe the culture of Georgia Southern Athletics?
CD: I know "culture" gets thrown around a lot these days, but to me, it's really about how we live and operate every single day. It's what we do, how we do it, and most importantly, why we do it.
We're building on the already-established high-performing team; it's not just a group of people working in the same department, but a unified group with a shared mindset. That takes intentional hiring, clear communication, and consistent alignment. And it means regularly asking ourselves: Are we living out the values we claim to hold?
Achieving that level of reflection requires both humility and a sense of curiosity. In the rapidly changing world of college athletics, not evolving means you're being left behind. This mindset, along with the capacity for adaptation and growth, must be embraced at every tier of the organization.
We can't be afraid of change. We must embrace it to stay on trend, but also to lead the way. We take great pride in the traditions of Georgia Southern — and I absolutely love that about this place — but we must continue to build upon these traditions by introducing innovative approaches. That's the balance we're striving for every day.
COMPETITIVE HIGHLIGHTS:
What competitive moments or behind-the-scenes efforts stood out this year?
CD: Our student-athletes and coaches work relentlessly. That's the first thing fans should know. The best moments for me are seeing them celebrate with their teammates after a big win, especially when the fans are right there with them.
This year brought some big wins: beating Power Four teams in softball and volleyball, a football regular-season attendance record and another bowl appearance, conference titles, All-America honors, and thrilling finishes across sports. Our success goes beyond just wins and losses or our position in the Directors' Cup. What we're striving for serves as a driving force for our ongoing commitment to excellence.
DEFINING SUCCESS:
How are you measuring success across the department?
CD: I talk about having a "scoreboard mentality." We ask our student-athletes to compete and be accountable, so we should expect the same from every area of the department.
That means having clear goals: budgeting, marketing, facilities, game operations and so on. Everyone should know what winning looks like in their role. When we all adopt that mindset, it becomes evident in the fan experience. We want every member of Eagle Nation to feel a sense of pride, whether on campus, on the road or at any opportunity they have to show their passion for the Blue and White.
LEARFIELD DIRECTORS' CUP & PROGRAM ELEVATION:
What's your assessment of the department's overall performance this year?
CD: It was a good year across the board. The competitive success that I mentioned earlier confirms that we're on the right track, but it also reminds us there's still more to be done. We need to continually raise the bar for all 17 of our programs and continue building a championship-caliber experience on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
Getting there requires the right people, the right environment, and a strong, consistent culture, all of which our coaches and staff create every day. It also takes resources, not just financial ones through the Athletic Foundation, but also time, energy, and the continued support of our alumni and fans.
We're not waiting for luck to show up. We're laying the foundation, brick by brick, so when the moment comes, we're ready to own it.
FACILITIES & FUTURE PLANNING:
What updates can you share about current or future facility projects?
CD: A lot is happening. At the Hill Convocation Center, we're adding a new parking lot and enhancing building signage. At baseball, we've broken ground on the new Steverson Family Building, a huge step forward for our program. We're improving locker rooms for both men's and women's soccer and track & field and adding volleyball-specific touches at Hanner Fieldhouse. We're also planning future upgrades for softball and ongoing game day enhancements at Paulson Stadium.
Altogether, this department has completed or is working on projects totaling $100–110 million in capital projects since 2021. These investments are about raising the standard for performance, for recruiting, and for the fan experience.
FOOTBALL SCHEDULING:
Any football scheduling updates?
CD: We have one open spot left for 2028 and are actively in talks to fill it. Jared did a phenomenal job shaping our future schedules, and I've continued those efforts. But we're staying nimble. With all the changes coming to college athletics from revenue-sharing to playoff formats, we're preparing to adapt quickly.
STATESBORO'S ROLE & COMMUNITY IMPACT:
How do the university and community support athletics and vice versa?
CD: Georgia Southern and Statesboro are deeply intertwined. Our athletics bring energy, visibility and economic impact. When we have a home game, restaurants fill up, hotels sell out, and the city thrives.
Our university enrollment is trending upward — we have an incredible incoming freshman class and excellent retention rates. Meanwhile, Southeast Georgia's economy is thriving, with growth in business and population, especially here in Bulloch County and the city of Statesboro.
Georgia Southern is a vital part of this ecosystem. We serve as part of the "hub" that drives growth and community impact. We're already seeing expansions in restaurants and new businesses opening, reflecting broader GDP growth across Southeast Georgia, from here to Savannah.
What's more, our alumni and fan base extend well beyond Bulloch County and Southeast Georgia. From Atlanta to other parts of the state and beyond, people feel connected to Georgia Southern. We want everyone to feel like they're coming home when they return to Statesboro for a game or event — a true place of belonging and togetherness as part of Eagle Nation.
We're proud to support and represent our university and community, and we hope everyone visiting feels the sort of welcome Statesboro is known for.
THE YEAR AHEAD:
What are your top priorities for your first full year?
CD: It all starts with people. Supporting our student-athletes holistically — academically, athletically, emotionally — is job one. Supporting our coaches, who spend the most time with our student-athletes in practice and competition, is also a top priority. But it's the entire athletic support staff, our university community, our donors and fans together that form Eagle Nation.
We're aligning everything with the university's broader strategic plan. And we're going to keep communicating with our fans, donors and staff. When people feel informed and valued, they stay connected.
We're going to continue to run hard, stay intentional and keep building excitement.
BRAND BUILDING & GAME DAY EXPERIENCE:
Where do you see opportunities to elevate Georgia Southern's brand and fan experience?
CD: Without question, winning helps. But consistent messaging, great storytelling and aligned engagement matter just as much.
Game day at Paulson Stadium should feel electric. We're improving everything from music to in-game moments to premium experiences. Whether it's a family on the hill or a donor in a cabana, we want them to leave with an unforgettable memory.
Whether it's our development team connecting with donors, our marketing staff rolling out campaigns, our coaches speaking to the media, or our ESPN broadcasts showcasing our programs, everyone must be aligned to deliver a consistent message. When people hear clear, consistent messaging paired with visible follow-through and success, that's when momentum builds and sustains itself.
We've generated momentum, and now the goal is to keep building it. When we have opportunities to be on the national stage, we must be ready — not just to participate, but to seize those moments and win. Creating those moments often requires winning, and that means focusing on every part of the equation to put ourselves in the best position to succeed.
We're always looking for new ways to enhance the fan experience, and this year is no different. Looking ahead, we're expanding cabanas, enhancing tailgate suites, and exploring bold ideas to make Paulson Stadium even more special.
NAVIGATING A CHANGING INDUSTRY:
With all the changes in college athletics, how is Georgia Southern adapting?
CD: Change is here, and we're embracing it. Whether it's NIL, revenue-sharing or the Transfer Portal, we're staying focused on what matters: supporting student-athletes.
Let me start by making something very clear: there have been zero conversations about canceling any sports at Georgia Southern — none. Not one meeting, not one discussion, not from any level of leadership.
Our department remains aligned and committed to building an elite environment that maximizes every available resource in support of our athletics programs and the university. The approval of the NCAA v. House settlement ushers in a new and exciting era of college athletics, one we are excited to be a part of. We have developed a meaningful framework allowing us to shape how we support our student-athletes via avenues such as revenue sharing, additional scholarships and enhanced financial benefits.
The Eagle Nation Collective laid the essential groundwork that will transition into the Eagle Nation Fund. Moving forward, the framework of the Collective will still exist in regards to the Founders' Club, Eagle 365, GATA 912 and Soar 1906, as well as one-time gifts, and all of our exciting and unique events that bring Eagle Nation together.
The New Eagle Nation Fund will reside within the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation and will enable direct, tax-deductible support in alignment with new NCAA rules. This will help us remain competitive while upholding our values. Our aligned operational revenue growth within the department, along with the Eagle Nation Fund, will create and enhance the strategy to stay active and competitive in this new and changing collegiate athletic landscape.
FAN & DONOR IMPACT:
How can fans and donors make a difference in this new era?
CD: It takes all of us - TOGETHER. Buy your tickets. Come to the games. And if you can't make it, listen to our radio crew or tune into our games on ESPN+. Every time you engage, whether it's in person, online, or by wearing the gear, you help grow the reach of Eagle Nation.
We also need people to wear the brand — buy officially licensed Georgia Southern gear from Southern Exchange or other outlets. When you purchase and play as Georgia Southern in the EA Sports College Football video game, you also support our student-athletes. Every touchpoint makes an impact!
There have been numerous changes to college athletics, especially in the past month, in regards to the settlement of the NCAA vs. House case. The biggest change is that institutions can now provide direct financial benefits to student-athletes as part of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and licensing activities. Previously, NIL opportunities were only available through third-party arrangements.
Introducing the Eagle Victory Perch Plan: five ways to give to the GS Athletic Foundation and support your Eagles. The EVP Plan features, in alphabetical order:
Capital/Facility Project Funds
Competitive Excellence Fund
Eagle Nation Fund
Erk Russell Fund
Sport-Specific Agency Fund
These five funds will serve as an avenue for donors and Eagle Nation to contribute directly to initiatives that impact the programs and student-athletes, including revenue-sharing models and NIL support structures.
So, what are the best ways for our fans to make the most significant impact? Show up. Give your time, your energy, your resources and your presence. That's what moves the needle, and that's how we keep building something truly special so we can soar to even greater heights.
Thanks for your time, and here's to a great 2025-26 Georgia Southern Athletics Year!
CD: Thanks again, and Hail Southern!
