The University of Mississippi Athletics
Harris Named Director of Athletic Support
6/21/1999 | Athletics
October 6, 1998
OXFORD, Miss. - Former Ole Miss defensive tackle David Harris has been named Director of Academic Support at the University of Mississippi, it was announced Tuesday by Athletic Director John Shafer.
"David is an outstanding young man who brings a variety of experiences to our Academic Support staff," Shafer said. "As a former student-athlete, he understands the demands of being a student-athlete; as a former Regional Recruiter with the Pre-Admissions Office, he is familiar with the University's academic programs and standards; and most recently, as the University's Eligibility Certification Officer, he is knowledgeable of NCAA eligibility rules.
"David is respected on campus as a person of high integrity. We are delighted to have him join our staff as the new Director of Academic Support."
Harris, who earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in General Business in 1993 and his Master of Business Administration degree in 1995 from Ole Miss, was a member of Rebel football teams from 1989 to 1993 that participated in two Liberty Bowls (1989 and 1992) and one Gator Bowl (1990).
A native of Baton Rouge, La., Harris earned three varsity letters while playing for the Rebel football team and was a member of the M-Club. He currently serves as President of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity alumni chapter and is advisor to the fraternity's collegiate chapter. He also currently serves as a mentor in Project Pull through the Office of Multi-cultural Affairs.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to assist the student-athletes at the University of Mississippi," Harris said. "My goal is to provide them with the support and the resources needed to excel in the classroom, graduate from the University, and become successful alumni."
During his playing career, Harris was selected to the Southeastern Conference Honor Roll three times, was a National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete recipient, and a first team Academic All-America selection of Black Issues in Higher Education magazine. He was also a Chancellor's Honor Roll and Dean's List student.
After receiving his Master's degree, Harris began his professional career at Ole Miss, serving from 1995 to 1997 as Admissions Counselor and Coordinator of Minority Recruitment. He was the school's NCAA Certification Analyst in 1997-98 before being named to his current position.
His duties as Director of Academic Support include supervision of academic counselors as well as study hall, tutoring and all aspects of academic support, monitoring eligibility of all athletes, and serving as the primary contact with the NCAA Clearinghouse.