LOGAN, Utah – Utah State University Vice President and Director of Athletics Diana Sabau announced the promotion of senior compliance administrator Tony Hearrell to senior associate athletics director of compliance and student-athlete services. The 2025-26 academic year marks the eighth year he has been a member of the athletics department.

In his new role, Hearrell will influence name, image and likeness (NIL) regulation, assist with cap management and oversee the implementation of the House settlement terms, ensuring that Utah State meets the requirements in the ever-changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics. He will also gain responsibilities as a sports administrator for softball and men's golf and will serve as a member of the athletics executive team.

"Tony has done an exceptional job in his role as senior compliance administrator, and he will help guide us into this new era of intercollegiate athletics with his added responsibilities," said Sabau. "As we continue to future-proof our athletics department, Tony's continued leadership and knowledge of NCAA compliance and NIL will be a great asset."

Hearrell will continue to lead the day-to-day operations of the compliance department, including risk management monitoring, preparing and submitting NCAA and Mountain West waivers, investigating and submitting violations, reviewing and updating policies and procedures, overseeing rules education, interpretation and financial aid for all 16 NCAA Division I sports. He gains oversight of the student-athlete academic services team, ensuring that Utah State student-athletes receive a well-rounded educational experience.

"I am excited for this opportunity and would like to thank Diana Sabau for the continued support and leadership," said Hearrell. "As intercollegiate athletics continues to evolve, I look forward to working with athletics senior leadership to ensure that USU is in the best position to be successful."

Before his promotion, Hearrell served the department as associate athletics director for compliance since May 2023 and joined Utah State in March 2018 as assistant athletics director for compliance. He spent six months as a compliance intern at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Hearrell graduated with honors from Mars Hill College in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. During this time, he was also a student-athlete in the baseball program. He then continued his education at Coker College, earning a master's degree in collegiate athletic administration in 2018.

A native of Charlotte, N.C., Hearrell and his wife Kelsey have one daughter, Fenley Grace.