VCU names Ed McLaughlin as AD

Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao today introduced Ed McLaughlin as VCU’s new director of athletics, effective Aug. 13.

McLaughlin has been athletics director at Niagara University since 2006 and is credited with leading the greatest period of athletic success in that school’s history, improving the student-athlete experience and winning more conference titles in his six years at Niagara than in the previous 75 years combined.

McLaughlin, 39, was chosen after a national search that produced more than 50 exceptional candidates.

“The future is bright for VCU athletics with the high-energy, dynamic leadership of Ed McLaughlin,” Rao said. “Ed’s vision and passion for our athletic programs, his understanding of VCU’s mission to be a premier public research university and the search committee’s strong endorsement made him the clear choice to be our director of athletics. He is the right person for us at the right time.”

As Niagara’s athletic director, McLaughlin successfully led a Division I athletics program with more than 300 student athletes and 18 sports. His program is noted for the academic success of student athletes, with 70 percent of them earning GPAs of 3.0 or higher, as well as record attendance in several sports and exceptional fundraising.

“I relish the opportunity to lead VCU athletics into the next phase of success while serving as a leading member of the university community,” McLaughlin said. “I know the opportunity for success at VCU has no limits, including the ability to win NCAA championships and to build leaders who excel in the classroom and in competition.”

Prior to his position at Niagara University, McLaughlin was an associate athletic director at American University in Washington, D.C., and assistant director of athletics at Merrimack College in Andover, Mass. He also has served as Commissioner of College Hockey America.

McLaughlin is a 1995 graduate of Boston College with a B.A. in political science and communications. He also holds a master’s degree in health promotion management from American University.

McLaughlin and his wife, Shelley, have a daughter, Hannah, age 11, and sons, Liam, 8 and Rian, 5.