The University of Scranton announced today that Executive Director of Athletics Dave Martin will step down from his role leading the Department of Athletics and Recreation to begin a new position in University Advancement as Director of Principal Giving, effective Sept. 4, 2026.
Associate Director of Athletics Randy Shemanski has agreed to serve as Interim Executive Director of Athletics for the 2026-27 school year.
Martin became the eighth director of athletics in University history in August 2015 and has made a significant impact on Scranton Athletics during his 11 years leading the department.
"Dave has made an indelible mark on Scranton Athletics. Student athletes, coaches, and alumni have all benefited from his tremendous leadership and commitment to our shared mission. I am grateful for his willingness to serve the University in this new way in University Advancement. Dave has positioned Athletics for success long into the future, and I know that Randy is ready to step up and lead the department during this important time," said Bobby Davis, Vice President for University Advancement.
One of Martin's biggest accomplishments was helping lead the fundraising, planning and construction of the Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. Athletics Campus, which opened in 2018. The $14 million complex features NCAA regulation baseball and softball fields, a multi-purpose field for soccer, lacrosse and field hockey, a field house with locker rooms and an athletic training room, as well as community recreation spaces.
Martin also helped establish The Royal Way initiative, an ongoing effort to build a distinctly Jesuit athletic experience rooted in the religious and spiritual foundations of the University's Jesuit and Catholic mission. With the help of Scranton alumnus Matt Davidson, founder and president of the Excellence with Integrity Institute, Martin created a program focused on helping student-athletes, coaches and staff grow both personally and professionally. The Royal Way Touchstone serves as the foundation of the program and highlights the values of The Royal Way.
During Martin's tenure, Scranton added six intercollegiate sports — men's volleyball, women's golf, and men's and women's indoor and outdoor track & field. The Royals captured 49 Landmark Conference championships under his leadership, including a conference-record nine championships during the 2025-26 academic year. Scranton also captured the Landmark Conference Presidents' Trophy three times during Martin's tenure, winning the award in 2019-20, 2022-23 and 2025-26.
"I am deeply grateful to Dave for all that he has done to advance our mission by so tirelessly championing our amazing student athletes. I am delighted that we will continue to benefit from his expertise and commitment through his new role in University Advancement," said Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J.
"I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together in Athletics over the past 11 years," said Martin. "I have been truly blessed to work alongside such talented and dedicated student-athletes, coaches, and colleagues, and I am grateful for the lasting relationships and experiences we have shared. The University of Scranton will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am excited to begin this next chapter while continuing to serve this remarkable institution."
In his new role as Director of Principal Giving, Martin will work with University Advancement to build relationships with alumni and supporters while helping advance the University's fundraising efforts and achieve important University priorities.
Shemanski, who has served as the University's Associate Director of Athletics since 2018, will assume the role of Interim Executive Director of Athletics for the 2026-27 academic year. A member of the Scranton athletics staff since 2011, he joined the department as Assistant Director of Sports Information before being promoted to Athletics Communications Manager in 2015 and Associate Director of Athletics in 2018. In his current role, Shemanski oversees compliance, athletics communications, athletic training, facilities and game management while assisting with the department's day-to-day operations.
"I would like to thank Fr. Marina and Bobby Davis for the opportunity to lead our athletics department during this transition," said Shemanski. "I am extremely grateful for the mentorship Dave Martin has provided me since he came to the University. His wisdom and guidance have helped lead us to great success, and I have learned so much from him during my time working alongside him. My goal is to continue that success by empowering our coaches and staff while delivering a transformational championship experience rooted in our Jesuit values for our student-athletes."
Shemanski is a 1999 graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University-Madison (now Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in communications. He earned his Master of Business Administration from The University of Scranton in 2017.
