September 4, 2025

Francis Marion University Appoints New Athletics Director

News Summary

Francis Marion University has announced the appointment of Quin Monahan as the new director of athletics. With extensive experience in college athletics, including 13 years at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Monahan succeeds retiring director Murray Hartzler. FMU President Fred Carter praised Monahan’s leadership skills and commitment to fostering academic and athletic excellence among student-athletes. Monahan is expected to build upon Hartzler’s legacy and elevate FMU athletics to new levels both academically and competitively.

Florence, SC – Quin Monahan has been appointed as the new director of athletics at Francis Marion University (FMU), with the announcement made on September 2, 2025. Monahan’s official start date in this role is scheduled for October 13, 2025, and he will succeed retiring director Murray Hartzler, who has dedicated 25 years to FMU athletics.

As the fourth director of athletics in FMU’s 56-year history, Monahan brings extensive experience to the position. He previously served as the athletics director at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) for 13 years, leading a successful program during that time. With a total of 17 years in four-year college athletics, Monahan is poised to make significant contributions to FMU’s athletics department.

FMU President Fred Carter expressed confidence in Monahan’s qualifications, noting his dynamic leadership and competitive instincts. Monahan has a proven track record of fostering both academic and athletic excellence among student-athletes. Under his guidance at USCB, the athletic department sustained a departmental GPA above 3.0, emphasizing the importance of academic performance alongside athletic achievement.

Monahan played a crucial role in USCB’s transition from NAIA to full NCAA Division II membership, a significant milestone for the institution. His involvement in national and regional athletic governance is evident from his leadership positions, including serving as chair of the Peach Belt Conference Athletics Director Committee for the 2025-26 academic year. Additionally, he has contributed to the NACDA Executive Committee, the Conference Carolinas ADA Committee, and the NAIA Baseball National Selection Committee.

Prior to his tenure at USCB, Monahan held the position of director of athletics at Belmont Abbey College from 2010 to 2012 and has held various roles at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). While at SCAD, he led the women’s swimming team to an NAIA national championship in 2009, showcasing his capability to cultivate successful athletic programs.

Monahan’s academic background complements his athletic leadership. He holds an associate degree from Kansas City Kansas Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and a master’s degree from Asbury Theological Seminary.

FMU supports a total of 17 intercollegiate sports, with 16 teams competing in NCAA Division II as part of Conference Carolinas. Last year, seven of FMU’s ten sports teams achieved winning records, and four teams progressed to NCAA Tournament play since 1992. FMU’s commitment to academic success is reflected in its student-athletes’ GPA, which continues to surpass the overall student body average, standing at above 3.1 in the past year.

As Monahan transitions to his new role, he is expected to build on the foundation laid by Hartzler, driving FMU athletics to new heights both on the field and in the classroom.