Baylor names former Magnolia president Doug McNamee as next Vice President, Director of Athletics

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Baylor University has named Doug McNamee as the Bears’ next Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

McNamee returns to Baylor after serving in the role of President of Magnolia, founded by Baylor alums Chip and Joanna Gaines.

He most recently served as the President Field & Stream with country music superstars Eric Church and Morgan Wallen as investors.

“Doug’s familiarity with Baylor and his recent experience as the chief executive of two national lifestyle and media companies will serve him well as we prioritize increasing revenues, expanding external NIL opportunities for our student-athletes and growing our brand in this new era of college athletics while also engaging our passionate fanbase,” said President Livingstone, who previously served as chair of the NCAA Board of Governors and of the Big 12 Board of Directors.

“Doug is incredibly authentic and engaging, and he will connect with the entire Baylor Family, from our high-level donors to our Bear Foundation members and the Waco community. He fully embraces Baylor’s distinct Christian mission, and I look forward to working with him as he guides our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans into the future.”

McNamee is a two-time Baylor graduate who served as a Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs at Baylor before departing in 2018.

“My connection to Baylor University runs deep, and its culture, history, and expectations have profoundly shaped my life. To now have the opportunity to serve as Vice President and Director of Athletics is incredibly humbling. I believe the breadth of my experiences has prepared me for this moment at Baylor and within the evolving landscape of college athletics. Stepping into corporate leadership allowed me to cultivate the entrepreneurial mindset, creativity, hunger, and financial discipline required to thrive in today’s environment and the one ahead,” McNamee said.

“Returning to my alma mater in this capacity is a profound honor and responsibility. I do not take it lightly. Baylor has given me so much, and I am eager to serve our athletics department in a unified way that promotes and fulfills the distinctively unique mission of this great University. I look forward to working alongside President Livingstone, my fellow vice presidents, our athletics programs, and the entire Baylor Family.”

In his previous role at Baylor, McNamee was responsible for all major revenue-generating and brand-facing units, including fundraising, marketing, communications and premium ticketing, according to the University.

McNamee also served on the search committee that brought former head football coach Matt Rhule to Baylor and he played a key role in the fundraising, planning and opening of McLane Stadium.

He began his career at IMG College and rose to General Manager for Baylor’s multimedia portfolio.

Baylor says McNamee is passionate about improving the fan experience as well as expanding current and developing new revenue streams.

McNamee, originally from Lake Jackson, Texas, earned his bachelor’s degree in speech communications from Baylor in 2003.

He earned his master’s degree in sport management from Baylor in 2005.

As a student, McNamee worked for Baylor Baseball, Men’s Basketball, and Baylor Student-Athlete Services.

He is married to Lacy McNamee, Ph.D., a former tenured Baylor faculty member in the Department of Communication and they have two daughters, Josie (10) and Maggie (8).

The family lives in Woodway, where they attend Renew Church Waco.

Baylor will host a special Dr Pepper Hour reception to welcome McNamee and a Q&A with President Livingstone on Monday, December 8, at 4:00 p.m. at the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center.

Both the Baylor and Waco communities are welcome to attend, according to the University.

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