Schroyer Accepts Job at LSU, Martin Steps in as Interim AD

Heath Schroyer, McNeese’s Director of Athletics since 2020, has accepted a job at Louisiana State University (LSU) as Senior Deputy AD/Executive Director of External Relations for the LSU System.

Schroyer, who arrived on campus in 2018 as the Cowboys’ head basketball coach, was named Director of Athletics in June of 2020, guiding the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastation caused by two major hurricanes.

Interim McNeese President Dr. Kedrick Nicholas mentioned he and Schroyer negotiated a contract extension and an increase in base pay with elevated performance incentives, but Schroyer chose to accept an opportunity that provides him with great exposure of his leadership abilities. 

An immediate and long-term succession plan is in place according to Dr. Nicholas with longtime McNeese Athletics administrator and Deputy AD Bridget Martin moving into the Interim AD role with job duties for select senior athletics administrators to be recrafted to replace Schroyer’s strong abilities in external affairs and fundraising.

“Heath has been a valuable asset to McNeese from the date of his arrival,” said Dr. Nicholas. “He accepted the job as Athletic Director during a tumultuous period for our campus and athletic programs as we recovered from the disastrous impacts of COVID and Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Since being AD, Heath has used creativity and unconventional but successful strategies to boost our athletic profile. It is why I offered him a contract extension and pay raise to reward his success and display my appreciation. I completely understand and support his decision to accept a position at LSU. It is the state’s flagship institution and will give him a chance to show his abilities on a larger stage. McNeese Athletics will continue to thrive as Heath’s legacy, coupled with the strong team still in place, catapults our programs to even higher heights.”

Said Martin: “I look forward to serving in the AD role at McNeese. While the NCAA landscape is evolving rapidly, our primary focus remains the development of our student-athletes. Our administration’s commitment to supporting these young men and women through these changes is evident.

“McNeese Athletics is positioned for sustained success, thanks largely to the groundwork laid by Heath Schroyer. His establishment of a corporate sponsorship model has fundamentally changed our trajectory, and I am confident that (Deputy AD) Matt Fontenot will continue to excel in overseeing this critical area.

“I am also incredibly proud of the team we have in place. Our current coaching staff is among the finest I’ve ever worked with, supported by an outstanding administrative team. Heath and I have shared many discussions regarding the future of McNeese Athletics. The blueprint for success is ready, the momentum is on our side, and we are prepared to Ride for the Brand!”

As AD, Schroyer elevated the athletic department to levels it’s never seen, including bringing in $11 million in sponsorships and naming rights this past year, and record numbers in sponsorship dollars in each of the last four years.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision for me,” said Schroyer. “I love McNeese and Lake Charles. I’ve been here longer than I’ve been anywhere and Louisiana has become home for both myself and my son. I’m so grateful to my team, our community and Poke Nation for believing in the vision and putting in the work it took to get us to where we are today. Over the years I have had opportunities to leave for bigger jobs that paid more money and I have turned all of them down for one reason only: I wanted to finish what we started, and I felt we hadn’t completed what we set out to do. At this point, I feel McNeese is on an unparalleled trajectory and as hard as it is to leave a place I love so much, it’s time for me to move on and take on a new challenge.”

Schroyer will remain at McNeese until April 10 when Martin will assume the Interim AD role.