JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman Vice President for Athletics Matt Pope has announced the promotion of Sam Savell to Director of Eagle Club and External Operations.

Savell has been serving in the role in an acting capacity since February when Shelly Laux moved back across campus to accept a role as the university's Assistant Vice President for Advancement. 

"After much deliberation, we're tickled that Sam has accepted to become our next Director of Eagle Club and External Operations," Pope said. "He proved himself for the position in an acting capacity these last six months.  We have no doubt that his work ethic, diligence and love of Carson-Newman will shine forth in everything he does in this new role. We thank Shelly Laux in setting a solid foundation for him to move into and build upon."

Savell came to Carson-Newman originally as a baseball player.  He played for two years before his playing career was cut short due to injury.  He finished his undergraduate degree at Carson-Newman in business administration with an emphasis in management before attaining his master's in business from Carson-Newman as well.  During his time in grad school, he was a marketing and promotions graduate assistant for the Athletics Department.

He transitioned from his graduate assistantship to become the Athletics Operations Associate in November 2018; then was promoted to Assistant Director of Eagle Club in January 2020. 

"I would like to thank Shelly Laux for being a mentor to me during my time within Carson-Newman Athletics," Savell said. "If it were not for her, I would not be where I am today. Thank you to Matt Pope for trusting me and giving me a chance with this new role. I am very excited to continue my career within Carson-Newman Athletics. I look forward to the opportunity of working with our amazing alumni, fans, coaches, and staff to continue to enhance C-N Athletics and to provide the best possible experience to our student-athletes. There is so much opportunity here and I am excited for what is to come."

Savell's primary responsibility will be to cultivate and increase Eagle Club membership and fundraising across all sports programs. Savell will also superve game operations, corporate relations and marketing/promotions.

In his role as the Assistant Director of Eagle Club and prior, Savell implemented Carson-Newman Athletics' official corporate sponsorship program that brought in almost $50,000 in 5 months as new revenue. During his time, there was a 39% increase in giving and a 14% increase in donors. He also assisted with various fundraising events, enhancement of game day promotions, ticket sales and game management. Savell is a recipient of the 2020 NACMA Mike Cleary stipend.

Along with Savell's promotion, Jordan De Fillippo is promoted to Game Day Operations & Special Events Coordinator.