Scott Downing, a Sterling College alumnus from the class of 1979, has taken on the role of Vice President for Strategy and Engagement. In this position, he will assist the college in implementing an updated Strategic Plan and work with the Marketing and Advancement teams to expand the network of alums and friends who support Sterling's mission. He will also contribute to long-range planning and strategic projects on campus, collaborating closely with Dr. Rich.

Downing joined Sterling College after serving as the special teams coordinator for the football program at Liberty University. He brought over 30 years of coaching and leadership experience at the highest collegiate levels, including seven seasons as a head coach.

A former athlete at Sterling, Downing began his coaching career with the Warriors in 1980 as the offensive line coach. In 1982, he became the head football coach, making him the youngest head coach in the nation at that time. During his two seasons leading the Warriors, he achieved a record of 13 wins, four losses, and one tie, securing the program's first-ever NAIA top-20 national ranking.

Throughout his coaching career, Downing has had stints at the University of Nebraska, the University of Wyoming, and Purdue University. He also spent five seasons as the head coach at the University of Northern Colorado and later served as the assistant head coach at the University of Tulsa. Before joining Liberty University, Downing was the special teams coordinator for the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Sterling College. Downing and his wife, Karen, have three grown sons, two daughters-in-law, and a granddaughter named Gabby.

Contact
Phone: (620) 278-4470
Email: scott.downing@sterling.edu