Raymond Harrison

Position: Director of Academics/Life Skills

Raymond Harrison is the Associate Athletics Director for Academics and Student Support. Harrison joined the Carolina staff as the Director of Academic Support in the fall of 2006. He succeeded Harold White, who retired after 36 years with Gamecock athletics.

Under Harrison’s direction, Gamecock student-athletes have progressed well academically performing on par with the general student body. In the spring of 2011, the department posted its ninth consecutive semester above a 3.0 grade point average. In addition, Gamecock student-athletes have led the Southeastern Conference in the number of student-athletes named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll over the past 5 years. Graduation and APR numbers continue to improve annually as student-athletes have shown tremendous leadership and growth. Participation by student-athletes in Life Skills seminars and community outreach programs has continued to be a staple of the program at Carolina – while the staff’s goals are to simply `graduate our student-athletes and prepare them for life after college’.

During his time at Carolina, Harrison has overseen the study hall renovation project in the Thomas Cooper Library and served on the planning committee for the new 40,000 square foot Dodie Anderson Academic Enrichment Center, which opened in spring 2010.

Harrison also serves as the Sport Administrator for the softball and equestrian teams and serves on several university appointed committees.

Before he joined the Gamecocks, Harrison served as associate director of academic services at the University of Louisville where he worked for six years. During his tenure at UofL, he worked with various sports including men’s basketball. The basketball team earned its highest GPA each of the final four years under Harrison, and the 2005 Final Four team won the C-USA Sport Academic Award. Harrison also served as an Assistant Strength Coach with the men’s basketball team his last two years at Louisville.

Prior to his stint at Louisville, Harrison was an academic advisor at the University of Cincinnati, where he was lettered in football. He owns two degrees from UC.

The Chicago native and wife, Jamala, have one son, Emil.