Garnett Purnell, Director of Athletics & Recreation (1999-2013)

Bio

After serving three years as director of athletics at Morgan State University, an NCAA Division I-AA institution in Baltimore, Garnett Purnell was named director of athletics and recreation at Wittenberg University on Aug. 1, 1999. He served in the position until 2013.

"Wittenberg University is known for having quality academic and athletic programs," Purnell said. "The goal of our athletics department is to enhance the student-athlete's experience and the level of performance of our teams. This will help us to obtain the goal as being named as one of the top institutions in the NACDA Directors' Cup standings."

Purnell has an extensive background in intercollegiate athletics in southwest Ohio, where he began his coaching and administrative career. Purnell served six years as Assistant Athletic Director for Student Affairs at the University of Cincinnati, and five years as a Compliance Representative with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) prior to moving to Morgan State.

Purnell also brings with him a coaching background that includes four years at Central State University as an assistant football and basketball coach. He also served as the head golf coach for several years at Wittenberg University beginning in 2004, leading the team to top-four finishes in the NCAC three straight years.

Since his arrival at Wittenberg, the Tigers have always finished in the top half of the North Coast Athletic Conference all-sports standings. Under Purnell's leadership, the athletics program advanced from fifth place to third in 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2008-09 and 2012-13, and second in 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2010-11. In 2009-10, Wittenberg won the NCAC All-Sports Trophy, and in 2003 finished 20th in the Directors' Cup standings, its best finish ever.

While serving as Director of Athletics at Wittenberg, Purnell has held leadership positions on various NCAC and NCAA committees. He chaired the NCAA Division III Interpretations and Legislation Committee and was a member of the NCAA Division III Financial Aid Committee and Management Council. Purnell currently serves on the NCAA Division III Committee on Infractions.

A champion on issues of diversity and inclusion within his institution and the NCAA Division III membership, Purnell is currently a boardmember for the Minority Opportunities for Athletic Association (MOAA). He also serves on the NCAC's Branch Rickey Initiative Committee, which recently was recognized with the inaugural Award for Diversity and Inclusion from the NCAA and the MOAA.

Purnell earned his baccalaureate degree from Cheyney University in 1973 and a master's degree from the University of Dayton in 1984. He is married to Sally Sciabica and they have four children: Lauren, Xavior, Luke and Leslie.