Sterling Administration

DR. SCOTT RICH PRESIDENT

Scott Rich has been Sterling College’s president since 2013. Rich joined the College in 2008, serving as chief financial officer where he provided leadership and oversaw finance, human resources, physical plant among other obligations, before being inaugurated as Sterling’s 12th president.

Under Rich’s leadership, Sterling has completed its 2011- 2015 strategic plan and has launched“Guard & Guide”, the strategic plan that will propel Sterling into 2020.

Previous to the College, Rich has served in a variety of leadership and management roles in both the for-profit and non-profit world. He brings with him rich understanding of budget and production management and financial reporting which has helped better manage the institution’s DOE financial ratios, investments and endowments, and internal and external audits.

Rich chairs the budget council and serves as the institution’s treasurer. He has served on the president’s cabinet, strategic planning task force, emergency preparedness committee, HLC reaccreditation committee and the campus security committee.

Rich holds a master’s in business administration from Liberty University and a doctorate in education from North Central University. He and his wife, Kathy, are actively involved in their local church. They have three sons.

SCOTT DOWNING VP OF ATHLETICS

Scott Downing ’79 is is in his second year as Sterling’s vice president for athletics.

In his role at Sterling, Downing’s responsibilities include providing the strategic vision for Warrior Athletics and fundraising support to allow Sterling to consistently compete for championships. He provides long-range planning for Warrior Athletics and ensure compliance with the rules and regulations governing the operation of the athletic programs. Downing oversees an athletic department that features 18 teams and over 300 studentathletes.

Downing comes to Sterling from Liberty University where he currently serves as special teams coordinator for their football team. He brings over 30 years of coaching experience at the highest collegiate levels, including seven as head coach. Downing and Justin Morris ’00 form the Warrior Athletics’ executive leadership team.

Downing returned to his alma mater where he started his football coaching career in 1980 as the offensive line coach. In 1982, he was named head football coach at Sterling, becoming the youngest head coach in the nation. During his two seasons at the helm of the Warriors’ program, Sterling posted a 13-4-1 record and received the program’s first-ever NAIA top-20 national ranking.

Stops in Downing’s coaching career include at the University of Nebraska, the University of Wyoming and Purdue University, head coach at the University of Northern Colorado for five seasons followed by moving on to the University of Tulsa as assistant head coach. Prior to joining the staff at Liberty University, Downing served as special teams coordinator for the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts.

Downing holds a B.A. in History from Sterling College. He and his wife, Karen, have three children, Matthew, Andrew and Zachary.

STERLING ADMINISTRATION

JUSTIN MORRIS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Justin Morris is in his second official year of athletic operations after serving as assistant athletic director for seven years and the head coach of the women’s soccer team for 20 years.

He has also served the College in the following roles: head men’s soccer coach, head tennis coach, sports information director and admissions counselor in various points in his career. Earlier this season, Morris earned his 200th win as a head coach. Morris is also the winningest men’s and women’s soccer coach in school history.

In his new role at Sterling, Morris’ responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day operations of the athletic department and continuing Sterling’s strong community support through local partnerships. In his time as assistant athletic director, Morris oversaw and served as the director of the Warrior Wood and Wedge golf tournament, the single largest annual fundraising event for Warrior Athletics. The event generates funding for many athletic department projects and enhancements. Additionally, Morris oversaw the sports information office and he was responsible for advertising for Warrior Athletics. He also assisted the Sterling College Alumni Association in keeping former student-athletes engaged with the College.

He currently serves on the following boards: SterlingAlden E Communities, Sterling Chamber of Commerce and Sterling Country Club.

Morris holds a B.S. in Physical Education from Sterling College. He and his wife, Karna, have three children: Christina, Kayla and Cameron. They reside in Sterling. He also has two grandchildren, Porter and Piper.

Tee 9 Designs Tee 9 Designs

620-278-6175 tee9designs@hotmail.com Custom Apparel Proud Supporter of Sterling College, Sterling High School, & Sterling Jr. High

Here at Sterling College, we mask up to save lives. So please make sure to do your part by wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing so that we all can compete! #SwordsUp #MaskUp #NAIATogether

313 S Broadway, Sterling, KS 67579 620-278-2220 Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.