The University of Akron

Andrew T. Goodrich was named Director of Athletics at The University of Akron on May 12, 2025, bringing more than two decades of business and athletics administration experience to the Zips. A servant leader and trusted advisor, Goodrich has built his career around competitive excellence, revenue growth, strong relationships, disciplined financial stewardship, and an exceptional student-athlete experience.

Goodrich joined UA after serving as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Gardner-Webb University, where he led a NCAA Division I department with twenty-two varsity sports and implemented a cultural blueprint for competitive, civic, and academic excellence.

Previously, Goodrich served as Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Marketing Officer at Syracuse University from 2018 to 2022, where he helped advance one of the nation’s most visible athletics brands. A senior university and athletics leader, he helped establish the Orange’s Name, Image and Likeness efforts, negotiated record setting revenue deals, highlighted by JMA Wireless Dome Naming Rights agreement, Nike apparel deal, and Fanatics e-commerce agreement, while leading Syracuse’s efforts to successfully launch the ACC Network into more than 40 million homes nationwide.

Additionally, his brand and marketing strategies helped Syracuse lead the nation in men’s basketball attendance three times, set the NCAA men’s basketball single-game attendance record, achieve record football season ticket sales, sellout their bowl ticket allotment, secure significant corporate sponsorships, and earn the 2022 Clyde Award as Learfield’s Corporate Partnerships Property of the Year.

Goodrich’s career also includes remarkably successful leadership roles with the University of South Florida Bulls, the University of Miami Hurricanes, and the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish after starting his career working as a financial analyst for IBM in New York.

At Akron, Goodrich’s goal is to help the Zips responsibly manage resources, build effective campus and community partnerships, compete for conference and national championships, and continue climbing together through a rapidly changing era in college athletics.

A former baseball student-athlete at Cumberland University, Goodrich earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Cumberland, an MBA in marketing management from Notre Dame, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of South Florida. He was a three-time academic all-conference selection and a member of Cumberland’s 1998 NAIA College World Series team where he played for College Baseball Hall of Fame Coach, Woody Hunt.

In addition to his administrative leadership, Goodrich has spoken at numerous national conventions and has taught courses in business communications, sports marketing, and athletics administration. He and his wife, Erika, live in Akron with their King Charles Cavalier, Charley.