Nicholas Clark appointed as Coastal Carolina Athletics’ first in-house NIL general manager
May 24 2024 - 11:04AM
Coastal Carolina University (CCU), in partnership with Altius
Sports Partners (ASP), announces the appointment of Nicholas Clark
as the first in-house Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) general
manager. Coastal Carolina is the first Sun Belt Conference school
in ASP’s General Manager program. A distinguished alumnus and
former Chanticleer football captain, Clark returns to his alma
mater with a rich background in athletic administration and
strategic partnerships.
In his new role, Clark will spearhead NIL initiatives at CCU,
focusing on enhancing the commercial opportunities for Chanticleer
student-athletes, all backed by the ASP team of industry-leading
experts. Additionally, his responsibilities include guiding
educational programs, leading departmental NIL strategy to maximize
opportunities for athletes, and serving as the primary liaison for
both internal and external stakeholders.
“Nicholas Clark’s return to CCU is not just a homecoming; it’s a
strategic move that brings his wealth of expertise and deep
relationships back to enhance our athletic programs. His proven
track record in administration and strategic partnerships, coupled
with the support from Altius Sports Partners, will undoubtedly
elevate our NIL initiatives and create new opportunities for our
student-athletes to thrive both on and off the field,” said Matt
Hogue, CCU’s vice president for intercollegiate athletics and
University recreation.
An advocate for community engagement, Clark will work closely
with area businesses and the athletics department to maximize NIL
opportunities and enrich the student-athlete experience at CCU. His
expertise will also extend to strengthening the NIL foundation at
CCU and developing strategies with corporate partners and
third-party collaborators.
“I’m excited to return to CCU, a place that shaped so much of my
early career and personal growth. Coming back as the ASP NIL
general manager, I’m committed to leveraging my experiences and the
insights I’ve gained to significantly enhance our student-athletes’
experiences. My focus will be on building stronger ties with area
businesses and creating meaningful opportunities that benefit our
athletes and align with our institutional values,” said Clark.
Clark’s professional journey features pivotal roles such as
executive assistant athletic director at Tennessee State
University, where he oversaw external operations and revenue
generation. Additionally, he has served on the NCAA President’s
Cabinet and chaired the NCAA Board of Governors Student-Athlete
Engagement Committee, significantly contributing to the development
of NIL legislation.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Nicholas to the ASP family. Nicholas
is a leader, having been a former student-athlete and at the
forefront of NIL his understanding of the landscape, passion for
the Chanticleers, and experience developing exciting commercial
opportunities make him uniquely equipped to guide Coastal
Carolina’s NIL efforts,” said Brittney Whiteside, vice president of
ASP College at Altius Sports Partners.
Clark’s career began at CCU, where he founded the Coastal Rise
program, the first student-athlete development program in school
history. This initiative has laid a strong foundation for his new
role, where he will continue to influence the growth and success of
Chanticleer Athletics. Clark’s academic credentials include a
bachelor’s degree in business administration and communication from
the University, where he also distinguished himself as the football
team captain from 2015 to 2016. Following his undergraduate
studies, Clark earned advanced degrees from Georgia State
University, the University of Virginia, and Tennessee State
University.
The ASP GM program, launched in July 2022, collaborates with 17
of ASP’s more than 40 university partners to provide tailored
education and strategic support for NIL activities, enhancing the
athletic and academic experiences of student-athletes across the
nation.
For media inquiries, please contact Rixon Lane
(rlane1@coastal.edu) or Jerry Rashid (jrashid@coastal.edu).
About Altius Sports PartnersSince its inception in 2020,
Altius Sports Partners (ASP) has become a leading advisor to elite
collegiate athletics programs. ASP provides comprehensive solutions
to elevate industry standards and promote excellence through its
network of more than 40 Division I athletics departments, including
nearly half of the Power Five institutions. ASP College offers
strategic consulting services and an on-campus GM program,
featuring education, strategic guidance, and staffing for the
evolving college sports landscape, including NIL. ASP has on-campus
personnel at 17 institutions, and the GM program is considered the
industry standard. Beyond NIL, ASP offers guidance on various
related issues, including licensing, sponsorship, agent relations,
and Title IX. Additionally, ASP Brands facilitates collaboration
between brands and athletes, executing national NIL campaigns on
behalf of blue-chip brands such as Powerade and Shake Shack.
Jerry Rashid
Coastal Carolina University
8433496524
jrashid@coastal.edu