Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) President Clayton Hess has named Dr. Jody Goins vice president for enrollment, athletics and public relations.

“Dr. Jody Goins is a great ambassador for LMU and exemplifies the heritage and mission of the University with his strong moral compass, dedication to lifelong learning and passion for leadership,” Hess said. “The student-experience begins with enrollment and I am confident that Dr. Goins is the right leader to have on our front line.”

Goins, who currently serves as assistant vice president for academic support, will move into his new role effective Oct. 1. He will oversee LMU’s undergraduate enrollment operations and intercollegiate athletic department, and direct the University’s external outreach through the department of public relations and marketing. Goins joined LMU in 2015 after serving in leadership roles in public education in the Oak Ridge, Knox County and Claiborne County school systems.

“It is with great humility and gratitude that I accept this appointment. Lincoln Memorial University has been and remains an instrumental force in my personal and professional life. The goal of LMU’s enrollment, athletics, and public relations division is to serve students and student-athletes from the initial admissions process to their graduation day with accurate information, integrity, and a passion towards enriching their experience at LMU,” Goins said. “Athletically, we will continue to strive for competitive and championship excellence, while developing student-athletes who exhibit character and academic scholarship. From an admissions perspective, we will continue to increase our enrollment by recruiting students focused on impacting their communities, in Appalachia and beyond.”

Goins’ career began in the classroom, where he went from world geography teacher and assistant basketball coach to associate head boys’ basketball coach, assistant athletic director and interim vice principal at Oak Ridge High School in 2007. He has served as principal at Oak Ridge High School, Central High School (Knox County) and Claiborne High School. Goins joined the administration of LMU as special assistant for academic affairs and an instructor of education in 2015. He was promoted to assistant vice president for academic support in July.

Goins holds a Bachelor of Arts in history; Master of Education and Educational Specialist in educational administration and supervision; and Doctor of Education in executive leadership from LMU. He and his wife, Ashley, reside in Speedwell. They are parents to two boys, Jace and Jaxton.

Goins will also serve on the President’s Cabinet, which includes all vice presidents as well as in-house legal counsel. The body serves as an advisory group to the President on topics of university-wide and strategic importance.