RINDGE, N.H. (January 26, 2018) – Franklin Pierce University Director of Athletics Rachel Burleson has announced Candler Harris has been named as the Department of Athletics’ first-ever Game Operations & Athletic Marketing Manager.

“I am honored and humbled to have been given an incredible opportunity to serve at Franklin Pierce University,” said Harris. “Throughout the interview process, it did not take long for me to not only get fired up about the potential this incredible athletic department has, but to also see just how invested the leadership is in reaching that potential.”

Harris comes to Rindge after spending just over a year overseeing athletics marketing and engagement, as well as basketball operations, at Arizona Christian University, which is an NAIA institution. While in Phoenix, he revamped the game-day experience and assisted in fundraising efforts for an institution whose enrollment is made up of more than 80% student-athletes.

“We are excited to add Candler Harris to our administrative staff,” said Burleson. “He brings with him experience in athletic marketing, fan engagement and game-day operations which will be an asset to our Department, as we continue to strive towards a position at the top of the Northeast-10 for both our on-field and off-field products.”

Though Franklin Pierce will be his first full-time NCAA stop, Harris is no stranger to the NCAA game-day experience. During his time as an undergraduate at the University of Mississippi, he spent four years portraying “Rebel” -- the institution’s mascot -- at a multitude of events, including NCAA Championships and bowl games. Harris was the first-ever student to play the current mascot, which allowed him the freedom and opportunity to build the character from the ground up.

During his time in the Magnolia State, Harris also completed an internship with the Ole Miss Athletic Foundation. His focus was on the annual gift-giving budget, as well as capital gift campaigns.

“I am blessed and thankful Athletic Director Rachel Burleson and the search committee believed in the vision I have,” added Harris. “I look forward to climbing to new heights with Raven Nation.”

Originally from Marietta, Ga., Harris is a 2015 graduate of the University of Mississippi, with a bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing and communications, and is expected to complete his master’s degree in sports law and business from Arizona State in May. He currently resides in Winchendon, Mass., and his first day at Franklin Pierce was Jan. 16.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics’ official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce rowing apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics’ brand new online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).