ABILENE, Texas — Larry Dockery has been appointed as the McMurry University athletic director, the school announced Tuesday.
McMurry conducted a nationwide search and selected Dockery, who has been in the interim position since June 2023. In a release, the university said he has proven to be highly effective in ensuring the efficient and ethical operation of the department.
"Larry has played a crucial part in furthering the reputation and success of McMurry's athletic program as interim athletic director," McMurry President Dr. Sandra Harper said. "He has demonstrated his skills as a dedicated advocate for the overall well-being and development of scholar-athletes. I have full confidence that he will contribute significantly to further advancing our University's legacy of excellence in athletics, fostering pride and passion among our students, graduates, and fans."
Before serving in the interim role, Dockery was the director of athletics operations. As athletic director, he will continue to uphold standards of operational excellence and oversee the athletics programs' transition to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAAC) in fall 2024.
Dockery joined the McMurry community in 2014, as the War Hawks football team's wide receiver coach. He was named as director of athletic operations in 2023, and was subsequently promoted to senior associate athletic director, responsible for overseeing game day operations for 18 NCAA men's and women's sports. Dockery also actively contributes to McMurry's Diversity Council.
"I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Harper for granting me this exciting opportunity," Dockery said in the release. "McMurry stands out as an exceptional institution committed to student success, a commitment that is further exemplified through our athletics department. Our coaches are both competitive and devoted to ensuring our students thrive both on and off the field. I am eager to continue supporting and fostering excellence to the campus communities I am privileged to serve."
"Larry has displayed a genuine sense of passion that will prove to be an asset to our athletics department," Harper said. "His commitment to fostering a sense of belonging, along with a focus on community engagement, aligns seamlessly with our University's values and positions him effectively for success in this role."
Before McMurry, Dockery also served as the Abilene Ruff Riders and Abilene Bombers Indoor Football League special teams coach. He received a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership and a Master of Science in sports administration from Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Dockery and his wife, Courtney, have four children, Jayden, Larry Jr., J'Lee and TY.
