Story by Miguelangelo Hernandez, Augusta University
Augusta University President Russell T. Keen announced on May 11 the appointment of Brent McMillian as the new director of athletics. This appointment follows an extensive national search as he becomes the fourth director of athletics in AU history. He will assume the role starting June 8
“His vision aligns seamlessly with our goals for Jaguar Athletics: to champion student-athlete wellbeing, strengthen our competitive success, deepen community engagement, and build a vibrant, spirited campus culture,” Keen said. “His experience, combined with his personal connection to Augusta University, positions him to hit the ground running in a meaningful way.”
Melissa Brocato, assistant athletic director for Internal Affairs and head softball coach, has been serving as interim athletic director since Dec. 8.
McMillian is a graduate of Greenbrier High School and attended Augusta University before completing his degree at the University of Tennessee. He brings 13 years of athletics experience to Augusta University. Most recently, he was at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he served as senior associate athletic director for external engagement and revenue generation.
He also served on Lipscomb’s staff leadership council and oversaw six departmental budgets.
During his nearly seven years at Lipscomb, McMillian oversaw all areas of the school’s athletics external and revenue generating units. He also was administrator for men’s and women’s golf, the cheer program, women’s basketball and men’s soccer. Ticket sales for Lipscomb athletics increased by 26%, corporate sponsorship revenue increased by 65% and unique viewership for home broadcasts increased by 73%.
He also coordinated the department’s first ever “Giving Day” campaign, in which over $100,000 was raised in one day for a new fueling and nutrition center for the student-athletes.
McMillian also played several other roles in growing Lipscomb’s athletic department.
Prior to his tenure at Lipscomb, McMillian was assistant athletic director at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he was responsible for the development and growth of the annual athletics fund for both restricted and unrestricted giving.
He assisted fundraising efforts toward a new athletic facility and served as liaison between athletics and university advancement. He also spent three years as director of ticketing within the university’s athletic department where he was responsible for season and single game tickets for various sports. In that role, gross ticket sales increased by 55%.
He now will take over the Augusta University program that features 15 intercollegiate sports, two of which – men’s and women’s golf – compete at the Division I level in the West Coast Conference.
McMillian and his wife, Amber, have three children.
Augusta Good News is an award-winning member of the Georgia Press Association, receiving a second place General Excellence in 2025. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here.
