Philander Smith College names new athletic director

Philander Smith Sports

Little Rock –  Philander Smith College has named Nathan Cochran to the post of Athletic Director.  Cochran, who started work on Jan. 3, will oversee the institution’s sports programs which currently include, Men’s and Women’s basketball, Women’s volleyball, and Men’s and Women’s track and field.

A native of Boulder, Colo., Cochran comes to Philander Smith from Paine College in Augusta, Ga., where he was the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Sports Information Director. Prior to entering athletics administration, he spent  fourteen years in collegiate coaching, including stints as the Head Men’s and Women’s Track and Field/Cross Country Coach at Paine; Assistant Football Coach/Offensive Coordinator in Paine’s inaugural NCAA Division II football season; and two years as the Head Football Coach at Lincoln University in Missouri. Additionally, he is a USA Track and Field (USATF) Level 1 certified coach specializing in sprints and jumps.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to serve Philander Smith College, bringing my passion for sports and commitment to educating student-athletes,” says Cochran. “As I work to enhance and expand our athletic programs, my foremost concern is to ensure that Philander Smith athletes are successful not only in competition, but also as scholars and well-rounded individuals.”

Cochran holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from South Carolina State University – where he played football and ran track – and a master’s degree in management from Webster University.