Molina Named Director of Athletics as Interim Tag Removed

Dr. Sergio L. Molina has been named director of athletics at University of the Ozarks after holding the interim role the past four months, the University announced Tuesday.

Molina was named interim athletic director in June after Jimmy Clark transitioned to a new position at the University as major gifts officer for athletics after 17 years as director of athletics.

Molina has been an assistant professor of physical education at U of O since 2021 and also served as the University's faculty athletics representative (FAR).

"As the semester progressed it became convincingly clear that Dr. Molina was the choice to continue to lead our athletic department," said Amy Lloyd, vice president for marketing and enrollment. "His leadership and his commitment to our student-athletes during his time as interim athletic director has set a strong foundation for our athletic programs. He has worked to create a thriving environment for our student-athletes and I am confident his vision and passion will continue to inspire our student-athletes and coaching staffs and elevate Eagle athletics to new heights."

Molina said he was "deeply honored" to continue leading the athletics program at Ozarks.

"For the past four months I've enjoyed getting to know the athletic staff and student-athletes in a different light," he said. "Our student-athletes continue to amaze me with their accomplishments not only in their sport, but in the classroom and in the community as well. I am looking forward to the future of Ozarks athletics."

Molina also has nearly a decade of high school and college coaching experience in football and track and field, including a stint as a defensive coordinator at Southwestern College in Kansas where he also served as an adjunct instructor. He has also been an assistant professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Missouri Western State University.

Molina leads an athletic program that this semester debuted the Thomas and Frances Wilson Athletic Complex and began play in a new NCAA Division III conference - the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

A native of Wichita, Kan., Molina earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from Wichita State University in Kansas before earning a master's degree in physical education from Pittsburg State University in Kansas. In 2015, he earned his Ph.D. in physical education pedagogy from University of South Carolina.

The University will begin a search later this semester for an assistant professor of physical education to fill Molina's teaching role, according to Dr. Janie Diels, vice president for academic affairs.

Topics: Athletics