ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ

Written by: Marsha Blasco
Photos by: Jennifer Grissom

After elevating Osprey athletics to record levels of success, Lee Moon retired as ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ’s athletic director in June, ending his 12-year tenure, and passed the baton to senior staff member Nick Morrow. The two have worked in tandem over the past decade and stood together once again at a farewell event for Moon, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another.

Morrow began his new role in July. In accepting the position, he called Moon a personal mentor and friend and praised his record of achievement. “Jacksonville is my home, and I am excited for the opportunity to build upon a foundation of excellence and lead ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ to further academic and athletic success while providing an exceptional student-athlete experience,” Morrow said. “I am extremely grateful to President Szymanski for believing in my ability to handle this great responsibility and to Coach Moon for his leadership over the past 12 years. The advancements of the athletic programs under his guidance are nothing short of extraordinary.”

Morrow is following in the footsteps of a director credited with building a solid foundation for the future of North Florida sports. Moon came to ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ in 2009 and began transforming North Florida athletics into the championship-producing Division I program it is now, while also encouraging student-athletes to achieve academic honors in the classroom. Under Moon’s leadership, the teams secured 48 regular season and tournament championships, as well as numerous player awards, yet also maintained a cumulative department GPA of 3.0 or higher for 20 consecutive semesters. In addition to his focus on the achievements of his student-athletes, Moon will be remembered for adding beach volleyball and women’s golf and numerous upgrades to nearly all of the Osprey’s home venues.

Morrow now assumes responsibility for all the University’s athletic programs, which include 19 NCAA Division I teams, 300 student-athletes and 150 employees. He joined the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ athletics staff in July 2011 and soon established his own record of accomplishments. Morrow served as senior associate athletic director for development, external and financial operations. He also worked as the department’s chief financial officer and oversaw all financial matters and business operations. He supervised the day-to-day business operations of the department, led external operations — including marketing, sponsorships, communications, ticket office, video production and broadcast operations — and set all-time revenue records in corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, licensing, merchandise sales and concessions. Morrow’s fundraising efforts also established all-time revenue records.

Prior to joining ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ, Morrow served as assistant athletic director, facilities operations and events at the University of Maryland, held facility roles at University of Florida’s Stephen C. O’Connell Center and worked in the University of Florida’s Athletic Association. Morrow received a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland University College and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida.