McNeese State University Athletic Director Heath Schroyer is leaving McNeese to accept a position as senior deputy athletic director and executive director of external relations for Louisiana State University. 

Schroyer, who arrived at McNeese in 2018 as the men’s head basketball coach before being promoted to athletic director in June 2020, will remain on campus until April 10, after which McNeese athletics administrator and Deputy AD Bridget Martin will assume the role of interim athletic director. 

Schroyer brought in $11 million in sponsorships and naming rights this year. 

Interim President Kedrick Nicholas said the university offered Schroyer a contract extension and a pay raise to keep him at McNeese, but he understands Schroyer’s decision to move. 

“Since being AD, Heath has used creativity and unconventional but successful strategies to boost our athletic profile,” Nicholas said. “I completely understand and support his decision to accept a position at LSU. It is the state’s flagship institution and will give him a chance to show his abilities on a larger stage.” 

Schroyer’s move to Baton Rouge reunites him with two familiar faces: former McNeese head basketball coach Will Wade and former McNeese President Wade Rousse.  

LSU announced Thursday it had hired Wade away from North Carolina State University to take over its men’s basketball program, while Rousse assumed the role of LSU system president last fall.