ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Harris-Stowe State University proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Nathan M. Cochran as Director of Athletics, effective Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025.
Dr. Cochran, a seasoned athletics administrator and coach, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He joins Harris-Stowe from Norfolk State University, where he served as Associate Athletics Director for Administration and Governance and as a member of the senior administrative team. In that role, he oversaw NCAA compliance and reporting, human resources, sport expansion, risk management, and student-athlete compensation programs. He also served as sport administrator for cross country, track and field, and baseball.
Dr. Cochran has held executive leadership positions at South Carolina State University, Walsh University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Philander Smith College. Throughout his career, he has advanced athletic excellence, expanded revenue streams, and enhanced the student-athlete experience. His leadership has contributed to multiple conference championships, national recognitions, and facility enhancements.
In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Cochran has an extensive coaching background in collegiate football and track. His expertise in roster management, recruitment, and academic support has helped shape successful athletic programs at both the NCAA and NAIA levels.
A dedicated professional with a passion for education, Dr. Cochran earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Morehead State University. His dissertation examined the impact of athletic roster management on enrollment and retention at HBCUs. He also holds a Master of Arts in Management from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from South Carolina State University.
Dr. Cochran is an active member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He and his wife, Candice, reside in St. Louis with their children.
"We are excited to welcome Dr. Cochran to Harris-Stowe State University," said Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, President of Harris-Stowe. "His proven record of leadership, commitment to student-athlete development, and deep understanding of collegiate athletics will help elevate our athletic program and strengthen the student experience."
Dr. Cochran's appointment follows a national search conducted in partnership with TM2 Executive Search, a firm specializing in identifying and recruiting exceptional leaders for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
About Harris-Stowe State University Founded in 1857, Harris-Stowe State University is a fully accredited, historically Black university located in St. Louis, Missouri. As the only HBCU in the St. Louis region, Harris-Stowe offers a diverse range of degree programs through its Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and STEM. With a mission to provide affordable, accessible, and high-quality education, Harris-Stowe empowers students to realize their full potential as scholars, leaders, and change agents in their communities.