Gardner-Webb Names Brendan Michael Fahey as VP for Athletics and Athletic Director

Experienced, Championship-Winning Leader Inspires Athletic and Academic Achievements

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Interim Gardner-Webb President Nate Evans has named the University’s next vice president for Athletics and Athletic Director. Brendan Michael Fahey, a leader who inspires excellence in academics and athletics, comes to GWU after a championship-winning career at Wagner College in Staten Island, N.Y. He has over 20 years of experience in higher education athletics with 15 years as a senior level administrator at the Division I level.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brendan to Gardner-Webb University as our next vice president for Athletics and Athletic Director,” Evans asserted. “His experience, vision, and dedication will ensure he hits the ground ready to run. His personality will resonate with our Runnin’ Bulldogs community, and he brings the energy needed to lead our athletic programs into an exciting new era. We are excited to have him on the team as we continue to elevate the student-athlete experience and build on our tradition of excellence.”

Fahey became Wagner’s athletic director in 2022, and in just three years, the Seahawks captured 10 Northeast Conference (NEC) championships, including a record-setting four titles in 2023–’24. His leadership delivered historic milestones such as the school’s best-ever NEC Commissioner’s Cup finish (second place in 2024–25), a men’s basketball NEC Championship, and the program’s first NCAA tournament victory. During his tenure, the field hockey program also secured its first-ever regular season championship. He was also responsible for adding eight sports over an eight-year period.

While building competitive success, Fahey also emphasized academics and student support. More than 600 student-athletes were named to the NEC honor roll over three years, and 12 earned NEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year recognition. He implemented a student-athlete fueling station, and added an athletic-specific mental health counselor to further enhance the student-athlete experience.

A native of Connecticut, Fahey earned his Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from the University of Connecticut and his Master of Science in Athletic Administration from Marshall University, where he also served as an athletic marketing graduate assistant. He began his career at Wagner in 2006 as assistant athletic director for marketing and promotions before advancing to deputy director of athletics in 2009, with responsibilities for both internal and external operations. He was also sport administrator for Wagner’s first-ever conference championships in women’s swimming and diving, women’s lacrosse, and men’s track and field.

As athletic director, he also oversaw significant facility upgrades, including a football stadium expansion, renovation of the athletic office suite, creation of a basketball-specific film room, and extensive locker room renovations for women’s basketball, football, swim, water polo, baseball, men’s lacrosse, women’s soccer, and field hockey. He supervised the installation of a new video scoreboard at the football stadium and secured the department’s first-ever licensing agreement with Strategic Marketing Affiliates (SMA).

“I would like to thank President Evans, the Board of Trustees, and the entire search committee for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity,” Fahey stated. “My family and I are truly honored and excited to join the Gardner-Webb family and represent their proud tradition and support their unwavering commitment to its Christian mission.”

He added, “From my first conversation with the committee, it was clear that Gardner-Webb is a special place with remarkable people united by a shared purpose. We have a strong foundation, along with the ability and drive to elevate each of our programs to greatness.”

Fahey emphasized his commitment to Gardner-Webb’s 22 NCAA Division I teams. “From day one at Gardner-Webb, I will dedicate myself to ensure a positive culture, an excellent student-athlete experience, and to provide our coaches with a path to success,” Fahey stated. “We will set ambitious goals, and through hard work, collaboration, and strategic vision we will pursue them relentlessly. With the support of the administration and our alumni, we are going to find a way to win both on the field and in life. Our future is bright! I can’t wait to get started and connect with our many proud alumni and supporters. Sko Dawgs!”

Evans also thanked Interim Vice President for Athletics and Athletic Director Chuck Burch for his expertise and guidance over the last three months. Burch was named GWU Athletic Director Emeritus after he retired in 2023. “We are deeply grateful to Chuck Burch for stepping out of retirement to help provide stability and continuity during this important transition,” Evans noted. “His decades of leadership and unwavering commitment to our mission have kept our athletic programs strong and focused. Chuck’s service during this period reflects the very best of Gardner-Webb, with selflessness, dedication, and a passion for seeing our student-athletes succeed.”

Fahey comes to Gardner-Webb with his wife, Ashley, and two daughters, Maisy and Elle. A meet-and-greet is scheduled for Sept. 8, Fahey’s first official day at Gardner-Webb. Additional details will be shared with the University community in the coming weeks.

Evans thanked the members of the search committee for their diligence and hard work through the competitive search process. “Their commitment to finding the best leader for Gardner-Webb, and their efforts have helped us identify the right person to guide our programs into the future,” he stated.

Members of the search committee included:

• Dr. Josh Parrott, Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service.
• Jeffrey Merrill, Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance.
• Chris Reisert, Head Football Coach.
• Dr. Sharon Webb, Professor, Counselor Education, Chair, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program and Faculty Athletics Representative.
• Daniel Elliott, Head Wrestling Coach.
• Terri Williams, Head Women’s Basketball Coach.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.