Lawrence R. Hiser, who has more than a decade of sports administration experience at Endicott College in Beverly, Mass., has been named the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Marietta College.

He replaces Debbie Lazorik, who moved into the College's Advancement Office in September. Brian Brewer has served at the Interim Athletic Director since September and will continue to do so until Hiser officially arrives.

Hiser, 42, begins at Marietta on March 1.

"I am delighted to announce the appointment of Larry Hiser as our new Director of Athletics and Recreation," said Dr. Jean A. Scott, president. "He has shown a penchant for working with athletes and coaches, while leading the Endicott athletic department to be one of the strongest in the Commonwealth Coast Conference. The skills and experiences as an outstanding coach and successful administrator that he brings to Marietta College are exemplary. We are excited that Larry is coming to Marietta to help provide a new direction for the Department of Athletics."

As Director, Hiser will oversee an NCAA Division III athletics program with 18 varsity sports (nine for both men and women).

"This is a wonderful opportunity and I hope to build on the proud traditions of Marietta College athletics," Hiser said. "I look forward to working with President Scott, the College's cabinet and the tremendous coaching staff and student athletes to realize the full potential of Marietta's athletic teams. I am impressed by Marietta's support for its student-athletes—in both the academic and athletic arenas—and by the level of alumni and community participation, which I am eager to enhance."

Hiser earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Ohio Northern University in 1987, where he was an all-conference shortstop on the Polar Bears baseball team. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Physical Education/Athletic Administration from Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he was a graduate assistant. He joined Endicott College in the fall of 1994 as the Gulls first baseball coach.

In 13 seasons, the team has earned four conference championships (Great Northeast Athletic Conference in 1997 and Commonwealth Coast Conference in 2000, 2003, 2004), three NCAA regional appearances and three ECAC tournament appearances and one ECAC New England Championship in 2005. Hiser amassed a 263-216 record

In his 12 years as Athletic Director, Hiser played a critical role in transforming Endicott College from a two-year, women's college to a selective, co-educational four-year college. Under his watch the Gulls have won 37 conference championships and participated in 47 NCAA or ECAC tournaments. Endicott also successfully launched new programs for equestrian, lacrosse and football, while improving the facilities that now rank among the finest in New England.

The Oregon, Ohio, native is married to the former Susan Chick. The couple has two children, Dan, 8, and Allison, 7.