Thank You, Jeffrey Pourchier - You are Forever Reinhardt!

Waleska, GA - Reinhardt University announced on Monday that Executive Director of Athletics Jeffrey Pourchier submitted his resignation on Thursday, December 12th. Pourchier has served in this position since the summer of 2021 when he took over for longtime athletic director and current Appalachian Athletic Conference Commissioner Bill Popp.

During his time as Executive Director of Athletics, Pourchier built on the foundation that Bill Popp had laid as the athletic director. During Pourchier's time as the athletic director, the athletic department had much success, which includes back-to-back AAC Duard Walker All-Sports Trophy (2023,2024),

four team NAIA National Championships, four individual NAIA National Titles, twenty-five AAC Titles, several individual AAC Champions, numerous NAIA All-Americans, and AAC All-Conference performers. Pourchier was also awarded the 2024 AAC Athletic Director of the Year.

Pourchier's time at Reinhardt goes back to 2007 when he was the Head Men's Basketball Coach for the Eagles. It was a position that he held until 2013. He then moved into Assistant Athletic Director for Development from 2014 to 2018 and then changed to Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations from 2018 to 2021.  Upon Popp's departure, Pourchier took over as Executive Athletic Director in 2021, where he held many duties for the University, including the athletic department.

Pourchier will be leaving Reinhardt to continue collegiate athletic administration duties at the New College of Florida in Sarasota, Florida. His title at New College will be Athletic Director for Development.

Pourchier has made an impact on his staff and student-athletes at Reinhardt, and the legacy will continue with the next administration. Head Baseball Coach Jonathan Burton had this to say about his time with Pourchier as the athletic director, "There is never a good time to lose a leader, and losing someone of Jeffrey's caliber makes it even more difficult. Our guidance from him has been rewarding, and we have had some tremendous athletic success across the board simply because of his work ethic and drive to be the best athletic department in the AAC. We know he will succeed in his next endeavor, and we are thankful for his commitment to us as coaches, colleagues, and friends. Jeffrey has paved a path at Reinhardt that was built on hard work, loyalty, and determination, but most importantly, relationships. He allowed us to coach and be ourselves while influencing young men and women. We can't thank him enough for his commitment to us as coaches and to our institution, we are all better because of his leadership and drive to be the best."

The Dean McCamish School and Business and Sport Studies and Faculty Athletic Representative, Dr. Joe Mullins, added, "Jeffrey took over a very successful athletic department and made it better. He constantly put Reinhardt University and its student-athletes at the forefront of every decision. Jeffrey is well respected by his peers within the NAIA and will be greatly missed."

The administration, staff, faculty, and student-athletes thank Jeffrey Pourchier for the time and services he has given to Reinhardt over the past...... years. The athletic department has grown tremendously under him, and he has set a standard for those who follow will need to reach and grow upon. The Reinhardt Athletic Department reluctantly says goodbye to our friend Jeffrey Pourchier but wishes him just as much success at New College as he has brought to Reinhardt. There is no doubt that he will help them excel just as he has done for Reinhardt University.

In closing, Jeffrey Pourchier expresses his thoughts on his time at Reinhardt, "After 18 incredible years, it's time to turn the page to a new chapter. This decision has been difficult, but I believe it is a great opportunity for my family and me.  It is very difficult to say goodbye to so many great individuals that we have developed relationships with over the past eighteen years. This place has been my second home, filled with unforgettable memories, amazing colleagues, and the privilege of working with so many talented student-athletes who inspired me daily.

To the coaches, staff, and community, thank you for trusting me, supporting me, and believing in the vision we worked so hard to achieve. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together in the last several years.   To the athletes, past and present—you are the heart and soul of everything we do, and watching you grow both on and off the fields/courts has been an honor.

Reinhardt has shaped me as a leader and as a person, and I'll carry these lessons with me forever. While I'm excited for what lies ahead, I am thankful for the privilege of leading this exceptional athletic department.  I will always be a proud supporter of Reinhardt Athletics."

From the Reinhardt University administration, staff, and faculty and everyone in the Reinhardt Athletic Department, we say thank you, Jeffrey Pourchier, - you will always be a part of the Reinhardt Eagles family. You are forever Reinhardt!