ARDMORE, Okla., and TISHOMINGO, Okla. — Murray State College has named Deron Clark as its new athletic director.

Clark joins Murray State from New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) in Hobbs, New Mexico. He started at NMJC in 2016 after a 28-year career as a baseball coach and athletic director.

"This is a place where the standard of excellence is evident across the board—from the athletic programs to the broader college community," Clark said. "That alignment made this opportunity especially meaningful for me, both professionally and personally. Finding an institution that shares your values and offers a strong environment for your family matters, and Murray State delivers on both."

Murray State College's continued growth and forward momentum are attracting high-quality candidates who are eager to contribute to a program on the rise. The college's clear direction, strong leadership and commitment to excellence are positioning it as a destination for professionals seeking to be part of long-term success.

"This selection is about leadership and vision that reflects the college's values and direction," said Justin Cellum, Murray State College Executive Vice President of Operations and Finance. "We were intentional in identifying someone who understands how to build culture, inspire people and guide a program forward."

Under his leadership, the NMJC athletic program has achieved numerous milestones, including 16 national championships, 17 national runner-up finishes, and the addition of four new athletic programs, bringing the total to 12. NMJC also hosted the NJCAA National Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2019 and 2023, as well as the Men's Division I Golf Championship in 2024. Clark oversaw more than $20 million in athletic facility upgrades.

"Deron Clark has built a reputation across the NJCAA for developing strong programs and supporting student-athletes both competitively and academically," said Chris Parker, NJCAA Region 2 Commissioner. "Murray State College is gaining a leader who understands how to build sustainable success while keeping student development at the center of athletics."

Clark began his career at Northwood University in Cedar Hill, Texas, as an assistant baseball coach and sports information director. Prior to NMJC, he was the head baseball coach and athletic director at Paris Junior College, overseeing and assisting in the development and growth of an eight-team NJCAA athletic department. Clark has managed six Major League Baseball players during his 28-year career.

Clark earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from John Brown University. Clark received a master's degree in exercise science from the University of Arkansas. He is an NJCAA Board of Regents member for Region 5 and sits on the NJCAA Eligibility Committee.

"Executive Vice President Justin Cellum has been an excellent interim athletic director and bringing on Mr. Clark will allow him to focus on taking our operations to the next level," said Dr. Tim Faltyn, Murray State College President. "The knowledge and experience that Deron will be bringing to Murray State further elevates our ability to provide world-class athletic programming, raising the bar as we build an environment for champions on the field, court, and in life."