Athletics: Scott Farmer Named Director of Athletics

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors approved the appointment of Scott Farmer as the new Director of Athletics at UL on Thursday.

Farmer replaces David Walker, who retired from the University after 33 years, including the last five-plus years as Director of Athletics.

Farmer was named Interim Director of Athletics in January 2011 after serving as the University’s Senior Associate Director of Athletics for three years.

In his time at UL, Farmer has played integral roles in establishing the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation (RCAF) and laying the groundwork for various athletics facility improvements. Included in these improvements are the addition of Pro Grass synthetic playing surfaces at both Cajun Field and M.L. "Tigue" Moore Field, the recent renovations made to Alfred and Helen Lamson Ragin’ Cajuns Softball Park and the renovation of the Cox Communications Athletic Center.  Farmer has been involved in talks for future renovation to the Leon Moncla Indoor Practice Facility, the Cajuns Soccer/Track complex and Cajun Field.

Farmer currently serves as the Chairman of the NCAA Division I Softball Committee, a group charged with overseeing the administration and championship activities of the Women’s College World Series and playoffs. Prior to becoming Chairman in 2011, Farmer served as the Midwest Region Committee Chairman of the NCAA Division I Softball Committee. His work in this role included coordinating activities and rankings of 65 collegiate softball teams across an eight-state region of the country.

Farmer joined the UL athletics staff after spending eight-plus years at Sun Belt Conference member Troy University, where he last served as the Trojans’ Senior Associate Athletic Director. While at Troy, Farmer saw the University’s football program play in its first bowl game, while helping the school transition from the Atlantic Sun Conference to the Sun Belt Conference. He oversaw the internal workings of Troy’s 17-sport program, while being directly responsible for the department’s sports programs, support staff and business office.

Farmer arrived at Troy from Georgia Southern University in February 1999, where he spent 12 years in a variety of roles within the Athletic Department, including the last few years as Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Services. At GSU, he began his career as the Women’s Swimming Coach and later coached the men’s program as well. His women’s teams were 67-25 over nine seasons, while the men were 19-19 in three seasons. From 1988-1996, Farmer held the multi-faceted role of Head Swimming Coach, Instructor (School of Health and Human Sciences) and Assistant AD for Sports Programs, Student-Athlete Services and Event Management. At GSU, Farmer worked closely with then-Eagles’ Director of Athletics, Dr. David "Bucky" Wagner.

During his tenure at Georgia Southern – both as a student and as an administrator – the Eagles won four NCAA FCS (Division I-AA) Football National Championships.  Farmer earned his Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education in 1986, while earning his master’s degree in sport management in 1987 – both from Georgia Southern. He recorded four letters on the swim team, set six school records and was the 1985 GSU Male Student-Athlete of the Year.

Farmer’s father, the late Coach Bud Farmer, was Head Swimming Coach and Director of Athletics at Daytona Beach Community College (now Daytona State College) for over 20 years prior to his retirement. Coach Farmer also served as an assistant coach for the World University Games in 1979.

A native of Ormond Beach, Fla., Farmer is married to the former Jackie Davis of Pontre Vedra, Fla. The couple has a daughter, Kaitlin, and a son, Kyle. Also a member of the GSU swim team, Jackie was a four-year letterwinner, a school record holder and was recognized by the University as their Female Student-Athlete of the Year her senior season.

What They are Saying About Scott Farmer

University of Louisiana President Dr. E. Joseph Savoie…
"Scott did a tremendous job in the three years he served as Senior Associate Director of Athletics.  He’s brought even more to the table in the last 10 months as Interim Director of Athletics.  He shares the passion for Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics and will be counted on to lead our athletics program and guide our coaches, administrators, support personnel and fans to a championship level."

Sun Belt Commissioner Wright Waters…
"I have followed Scott Farmer’s career from his early days at Georgia Southern.  He has been mentored by outstanding athletic administrators and has earned the right to be an athletic director. I am pleased that he has been named the Director of Athletics for the Cajuns and I know he will continue to do great things for that program."

Troy University Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Women’s Administrator Sandy Atkins…
"Scott Farmer has been a great friend and colleague of mine, but more importantly a great mentor.  I’m looking forward to him being a Director of Athletics in our league and doing great things.  He has the leadership ability to really move things forward down there, and I couldn’t be more proud and excited for him."

— Ragin’ Cajuns —